“Love is the only sane and satisfactory answer to the problem of human existence.” This is one of the many things psychoanalyst and philosopher Eric Fromm wrote in his 1956 book, The Art of Loving. Fromm’s larger point was love, rather than being a mysterious gift that cannot be understood, is actually a skill that can be taught and developed. He also noted that in the modern era we live alienated lives, and that our longing for interpersonal connection is deep and profound. So, love is both an urgent necessity, and is a capacity that must be nurtured with great intentionality.
Some of what Fromm wrote sounds a great deal like some of the basic teachings of Jesus. Once, when asked (he was being tested) what was the greatest commandment, Jesus quoted from the Shema, found in Deuteronomy 6, that we are to love the Lord with all our heart and soul and mind. And before anyone could ask a question, he said, “And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” In other words, if you want to know what is at the center of living the faith, see these two commandments. Everything else must correspond to those, or we have departed from the faith.
Jesus’ teachings about love are at the same time lovely and demanding. Jesus did not just teach us to have a sentimental regard for the other. Jesus went so far as to teach love for the enemy…love for those with whom you do not easily connect. How in the world do we do that? How can we do that as a community of faith? How can we come close to that in a world in which so many seem to be at each other’s throats?
We’ll talk about that in the online service on Sunday. Mary Beth and Jimmy will co-preach a sermon titled “Stronger Together: Reflections on Learning to Love”, arising from Matthew 22:34-40. The scripture lesson will be read by Dana Thomas, with great help from Dean, Cam and Maia. And a “Stronger Together” stewardship moment will be shared by Charlie Nelms. We will pray, sing hymns, share a children’s moment, and hear wonderful music by our Sanctuary Singers, led by Gerry Sousa and accompanied by Nara Lee.
We look forward to connecting with you on the Live Stream, which you will find by visiting www.smumc.church.