PHOTO: @ Chyzh Galyna / Shutterstock.com
Finally, here is Desire2Learn’s workflow for the modern classroom:
TEACHERS AID
CATHOLIC CONNECTION
A LOVE LETTER FROM GOD A reflection on Paul’s letter to the Corinthians By Shannon Duguay
Love is the greatest of all gifts. It is what we were created for: to love and be loved. But when did it become awkward to expect, or even easily accept love? As we listen to gospel messages about love, we often respond as if it were a set of directions – be patient, be kind, don’t boast or act jealously, bear all things, find joy in truth. These are important messages; however, it is just as important to let yourself be loved! It is understandable that Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians (13:4-13) is so often read at weddings, as it offers deep insight into the nature of love; the sort of love we hope to have with our partner, the kind of love that can only come from knowing and being known. It is our greatest longing to be fully known and, even in our imperfection, loved.
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What if the letter is also supposed to let us know how to be loved, or how others are trying to love us? Even if we are demanding, selfish, and more self-absorbed than we’d care to admit, we are known and we are loved. Our people – family and friends – love us with tenderness, patience, and forgiveness. We are so aware of our own brokenness that we become timid when accepting the completeness of love that is offered to us every day. It can be very humbling to be the recipient of that love, despite our flaws. But it’s right there, in that sacred and powerful place where Paul’s message teaches us, and reveals to us what love is, that we can feel the fullness of God’s love. As we struggle to discern what is written in the Gospel, let’s try to remember that it is a love letter from God, meant to guide and comfort us. Consider rewriting it in the form of a letter. At first, you may want to imagine that the letter is addressed to someone else, because we are still practicing being loved. But I encourage you to then receive the letter – let yourself be the recipient of love. Allow yourself to embrace God’s love for you, and allow yourself to be loved. You were meant for it. Beloved, I know you and I love you. Be patient with yourself, I am here. I trust you, and I believe in you. - God Shannon Duguay is a member of the Catholic Education Committee, and is a member of the Sudbury Elementary Unit.
Anthony Carabache is a member of the Professional Development department at the OECTA Provincial Office.
PHOTO: @ unverdorben jr / Shutterstock.com
While listening to Paul’s letter, we think about our love for our family and friends, and pray for patience and compassion. We hear the words and want to love better and more fully, to love as God calls us to love. It’s important to remember to be gentle with ourselves, to know that we are always growing and changing, and that we still speak like children in many ways. We read, pray, and reflect upon Paul’s letter as if he were writing to teach us how to love. But what if it’s more than that?