Love Covers a Multitude
The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. – 1 Peter 4:7-9 (NRSV)
“That’s the way things will be, says Christ, when Judgment Day nears. The whole world will act secure. Don’t let this disturb you. Christ admonishes, do not follow them; do not do what they are doing; cling to me. Nor be afraid; keep your head high.” (Martin Luther, 1520)
“Save me a place, surround me with friendly faces. All of us have gathered here to share the end.” (Carly Simon, 1971)
In case you haven’t heard, the world is ending. So said Peter in the first century, so wrote Martin in the 15th, so sang Carly in the 20th, and so says the news you streamed this morning.
Except for the morning news (whose job is to keep you as terrified as possible so that you tune in again this afternoon and this evening), in every age the prophets have had another message, too:
Don’t give all your attention to the flippant toxicity around you. Be resolute. Maintain your spiritual practices. Encircle yourself with those who know how to love. Chin up. Follow Christ. Love again.
Do not fear. Gather. Pray. Set the table. Share what you have. Are you remembering to love? Do justice.
Why grumble? Instead, open your doors. Wider. Even wider. Love constantly. Love like it heals wounds, crumbles prisons, uplifts the downtrodden. Love like love is all that will carry us to the end of all we know, and the beginning of the age to come.
Prayer
Brother Jesus – Help us love as you loved, right up until the very end, and forward into all that comes after that. Amen.
About the AuthorRev. Jennifer Garrison (formerly Brownell) is a writer, spiritual director and pastor living in the Pacific Northwest. Her published work most recently appeared in the book The Words of Her Mouth: Psalms for the Struggle, available from The Pilgrim Press.