There are cynics who will tell you that the feelings we call ‘falling in love’ are nothing more than the drive to procreate in fancy dress.  There’s no denying that humans are animals with a strong drive to mate, but there’s more to loving than mating.

Love seeks expression.  This holds true for romantic lovers and for parents and children, for siblings and friends, even for patriots and fans of sports teams. 

Our expression of love can be thwarted.  We may find our love is not met by a reciprocal response.  Or circumstances may not permit the expression of the love that people have for one another.  Novels, plays and films have portrayed the heartache and tension of unrequited and forbidden love forever.  We expect the story tellers to resolve the problem by the end of the story.  Even as outside observers we want love to find its expression.

Obviously, it is not just romantic love that can be blocked by a lack of mutuality or by circumstances in life.  The pain is different, but not necessarily less, when the love of a parent or a child is not reciprocated; when siblings can’t navigate their relationships in ways that allow them to express their love; when friends find the binds of love stretched thin by distance and the press of life’s demands.

Love wants to express itself, and, if the expression is denied thoroughly enough and long enough, the love will begin to fade too.

The familiar story of John the Baptist’s preaching of repentance reminds us of the urgency we feel to express our loves – to act on our feelings and convictions.  The crowd who listened to John’s preaching heard more than prophetic scolding.  They heard God’s call to turn towards home, to return to the heart of love that is God’s gift to us.

When they heard this call and felt the pull towards home, they asked John, “what then should we do?”  John told them a few practical ways to express their re-kindled love for God: if you have two coats, give one to the poor, share your food with the hungry; don’t exploit the vulnerable, don’t abuse your power.  (See Luke 3:1-14)

Prayer and faith, interior devotion and trust are surely marks of the Christian life, but it would be a strange kind of love for God if it didn’t seek expression; if it didn’t ask, “what then should I do?”

Prayer: I’d send flowers, but FTD wouldn’t be able to deliver them.  This kind word, this patient ear, this one’s for you.  I hope you like it!

*What lover hasn’t thrilled to the thought of taking the hand of one’s beloved?  These guys got it.