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A REFLECTION FOR THE NEW YEAR
from Koinonikos
A REFLECTION FOR THE NEW YEAR
Jesus said, "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."
-John 15:12
Diane Keaton and Meryl Streep play sisters in the poignant movie Marvin's Room. Bessie and Leigh are brought together when Bessie finds out she has leukemia. Her only hope is a bone marrow transplant, and the only real possible donor would be a family member. Having been separated for twenty years and having lived their individual lives for so long, they have a lot to catch up on. Leigh has a family, and she shares the struggle she's had with her adolescent sons.
Bessie, on the other hand, never married but took on the role of caregiver to her father Marvin and his second wife, Ruth. For years, Marvin's health has required around-theclock care. Leigh is surprised to discover the commitment and sacrifice her sister has made for their father.
The climax of the movie finds the sisters on the floor picking up pills from several bottles of Marvin's medications that have accidentally been knocked over. A smile moves across Bessie's face as she looks into Leigh's eyes.
"Oh Leigh. I've been so lucky. I've been so lucky to have dad and Ruth. I've had such love in my life. You know, I look back and I've had such, such love."
"They love you very much," Leigh replies.
“No," Bessie says. "That's not what I mean. No. No. I mean that I love them. I have been so lucky to have been able to love someone so much."
As we stand on the threshold of a new year – having just celebrated the Love that Came Down at Christmas – may we renew our calling as Christians to love. Not out of obligation but opportunity. Perhaps this prayer could serve as a further reminder:
Gracious God, We are lucky to have so many opportunities to love. Or is it luck, after all?
Is it not your grace that provides meaning in giving, purpose in sacrifice, a reason to be, to sing, laugh, play, even to cry and grieve?
May we discern your handiwork, O God, in the people and problems, our work and responsibilities, the distractions and challenges, that form the mosaic of our lives and living, and provide opportunities to love and be loved. In the name of the One who showed us with his very life “No greater love has one than this…” Amen.
