Power or powerlessness?

LOVE – is it power or powerlessness? You be the judge.

There was once a chieftain who was visiting one of the barrios under his domain. There he met a young farm girl, and the chieftain was struck by her beauty, kindness, and grace. It was love at first sight on his part. He ordered that a beautiful suite of rooms be made up for her at his palace and began preparations to marry her.

The chieftain became even more in love with the farm girl as the weeks went by. But soon after she started living in the palace, the farm girl became seriously ill. Every known remedy was given her, but her condition just worsened. The young woman now hovered between life and death.

In despair, the chieftain offered half on his domain to anyone who could cure her. That was how madly in love he was with her. The best doctors came to treat her, but to not avail.

Finally, a wise old monk was asked to be allowed to see the woman alone. After a couple of hours, the monk appeared before the anxious chieftain.

"Your highness, I have a cure for the girl. So certain am I of its effectiveness, that I am willing to offer my life for execution, in case I am proven to be wrong. But the medicine will prove to be extremely painful for your highness."

"What is the cure? It shall be given to her, no matter what it costs."

The monk looked at the chieftain with great companies." This girl is deeply in love with a young farmer back in her barrio. Give her permission to marry him and she will be cured."

The poor chieftain wanted the girl too much to let her go, but he loved her too much to let her die. (Adapted from Connections, October 2002).

Such is the power (or powerlessness?) of love. The one, supreme law of God, which is today’s Gospel message (Mt. 22: 34-40). Or as the "Spider Man" says:" With power comes responsibility." Love is power. It is likewise a great responsibility – for the good and happiness of the loved one – on the part of the lover – whether he be Christ, the "Spider Man", you, or myself. Whoever you are. In whatever stage or state of life you maybe in. In whatever corner of the world. Past, present, or future. The one, universal law of love for all time.

LOVER: you hold in your hands the happiness of your loved one.

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The Jesuit Vocation Promotions Team invites male college students and young professionals to a Vocation Seminar. It is intended for those who are considering the priesthood or brotherhood in the religious life. The seminar will include the following topics: Jesuit Priesthood and Brotherhood; Apostolic Works at the Jesuits; Stages of Jesuit Formation and Discernment of Vocation. It will be held on November 24, 2002, Sunday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at Loyola Heights, Quezon City. For more details, please contact the Jesuit Vocation Promotions Office at tel. no. 426-6101 (local 3408) or e-mail at [email protected]. You can also visit the website of the Philippine Jesuits at wwwignaciana.org.