A rose, a lamp, and a tree.

18Oct
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. - John 15:12

In the readings, The Way To Love, the last meditations of Anthony De Mello, he asks the question “What is love?”

To answer this question, he provides three examples using a rose, a lamp, and a tree, all of which provide us something for nothing; fragrance, light, shade. De Mello emphasizes the idea that love should not be contingent on whether someone is considered good or bad and encourages us to look beyond labels and see the inherent worth in everyone.

Love is indiscriminate 
Comparing love to the actions of a rose, a lamp, or a tree illustrates the idea that love is selfless and giving, regardless of who benefits. This concept encourages us to be generous with our love, just as these natural elements freely provide their fragrance, light, and shade. Love is not dependent on reciprocity or expectation.

Love is gratuitous 
The rose, the lamp and the tree provide a fragrance, light and shade no matter who it benefits or whether it benefits anyone at all. They just are, they let themselves be. A rose cannot hold back its fragrance nor tree its shade. This analogy illustrates the idea that true love is not manipulative or controlling. Love does not seek to dominate or shape others according to our desires.

Love is unselfconscious 
The tree will not ask you to come into its shade, even if you are having a sunstroke. Coercion and control are not love, quite the opposite. Living up to the expectations of others often involves control to obtain the desired outcome, their love and approval. Submitting to this prohibits you from providing love to others. You must let go of controlling and being controlled. Love allows us to flourish and grow in our own unique way.

Love is freedom 
“Contemplate in astonishment the sheer goodness of the rose, the lamp, the tree, and there you have an image of what love is all about.” -Anthony De Mello

Musical Reflection - If Ye Love Me - Thomas Tallis The Mancunium Consort

Christ Jesus, thank you for showing us the way of love and strengthen us as we try to walk in that way. Amen.
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