But the greatest of these is love

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
1 Corinthians 13:13

Love, arguably humanity's greatest gift, supported and promoted by God Himself' Love, the glue that binds us all together, the Essence of God and the Way of Our Lord, Jesus Christ.

In my work with the homeless, love seems to be the most significant ingredient to success. Homeless people are met daily with averted glances, practiced indifference and outright hate-filled hostility. When I approach them with a smile, a paternal pat on the shoulder of handshake I am usually received well, as most want love, and many are downright starved for it. I think that many of them are more happy to gain acceptance and love than the goodies we distribute.

Love...life's greatest reward (And no, I will not continue with the Loveboat theme). I feel so grateful to be loved by so many. I have a great family of blood and marriage, and an even bigger family of the heart, all of you out in FB land with whom we interact, share encouragements as well as loses. My family of the heart, over 400 of which took the time to send me a birthday greeting this week and last.

I am truly thankful for the love I am given, first by my Lord, then my beautiful wife Beth. Then by my children and parents in law, whom I have really adopted as my own. I am grateful for you all, that God gave me a family of the heart, which includes you, my friends. I am also thankful that He has given me the privelige of loving you.

So go forth my friends and family, just go out and share the love...it's one of the things we are given in abundance, which we in turn can give away in abundance as well. Giving away love doesn't even cost you, but you can receive even more love in return. Thank you for your love, it is a blessing.

So my friends, for this Holiday Season, let's go out and spread the love!

God's grace be with you,

Fr. Charles Butler