Love’s Witness: A Reflection on Divine and Human Love

This article was written by Therese Brennan, Epiphany’s Adult Formation Minister

“I love you. No matter what. And there is nothing you can do about it.” Given to me during a retreat, I’ve passed this saying along during workshops by inviting parents to say this to their children (and vice versa) or spouses to repeat this to one another.” It is something I believe God wishes us to hear from God each and every moment of our lives. Not simply to know it’s true but to believe it with our “whole heart, mind and soul.”

Human beings relate to our world through relationships. Thus I cling to our church’s understanding of marriage and watch with awe couples committed to one another every day of their lives.

When discouraged, wondering how to get through the next week, I gather strength from the couple who unconditionally love each other in the midst of daily caring for a special needs child. When angry, lashing out at God for the unfair hand dealt, I can believe God remains at my side despite my attitude by recalling spouses who chose to hang in with their beloved when beyond disillusionment (“in the pits”). When worried, scared, I know God’s love is close because I see husbands and wives tenderly minister to one another – even if the fear of one seems groundless to the other. The good times? How awesome to see the simplest of moments burst into joy, simply because two are fed by unconditional love!

What a tremendous gift and blessing are you who live your vowed, sacramental life!