A touch of deep love can change everything (BJRE067)


A touch of deep love can change everything 

That needs to be the Jesus Youth path.

(By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2023) 

Last week, we had an unusual retreat here, a Weekend by “Rachel’s Vineyard.” They describe themselves as a ministry to “renew, rebuild, and redeem hearts broken by abortion.” A team consisting of a priest, a seminarian, and several men and women facilitated the event. Some of them arrived early to set up the venue. We were amazed at how they prepared the meeting hall, dining room, chapel, and surrounding areas. Excellent carpets, bunches of flowers, lovely paintings, and much more were all tastefully arranged with meticulous care. No one could overlook the devotion and care behind this overflowing love. 

More was still to come over the weekend. Most participants had endured traumatic experiences from multiple abortions. It was deeply moving to see how caring and attentive the facilitators connected the participants with the healing love of Christ. Their smiling faces, kind words, creative atmosphere, and the time they dedicated to intercession all testified to their overflowing love. 

“It's wonderful to witness the effort you’ve put in," I said to one of them. “These individuals have experienced so much pain and rejection in their lives,” she replied. “We should do everything possible to help them feel loved and accepted unconditionally.”

Labor of love

As I observed these individuals pouring their heartfelt love into those in need, I connected it with the style of Jesus. The disciples could see and experience in Jesus the profound love of the Father. No wonder John could write about a love “that we have heard, seen with our eyes, looked upon, and touched with our hands.” 

As a result, the most significant takeaway for the disciples from Jesus' style was this beautiful expression of caring love. The Acts of the Apostles provide many glimpses into this overflowing love in action. When outsiders witnessed it, they were amazed. Tertullian remarks, “It is primarily the deeds of a love so noble that lead many to put a brand upon us. ‘See how they love one another,’ they say” (The Apology, ch. 39).

I have often heard young people say that what drew them to Jesus Youth is the loving invitation of a close friend. Moreover, they appreciate that there is a spirit of caring and sharing love present within those groups. 

What can kill this love?

Religion can become an effective way to condemn wrongdoers and exclude them, allowing those within the group to feel good about themselves.  Jesus confronted the religious leaders of his time in this manner. At times, we may also find ourselves in that category. Heartless words, routine prayers, cliché rituals, and rigid schedules can stifle God’s plan for deep love. Indeed, we need to reexamine our lifestyles and make necessary changes. In our ministry to those in need, do we often forget the central theme of love?

Jesus embraced the challenge of reaching out to ‘the wrong ones.’ His heart was filled with deep love, particularly for those in need. “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Mt 9:36) Our call is to embody this same compassion.

Renewal of a heart-melting love

In 1978, we organized a large healing service in our city. It followed a national retreat on healing ministry for bishops and priests led by a team from the USA. Those were my college days, yet I was assigned as the personal assistant to the team head, a well-known healer, and accompanied him throughout the event. A large crowd gathered at the Marine Drive venue. When the healing service concluded, people began to rush toward him. He remained there, praying for individuals, but the organizers wanted to wrap up the program and take him back to our accommodation. I still remember his words to me: “I feel as if my heart is flowing to these people and wish to stay here all night to help them in whatever way I can. I am sure Jesus would have felt the same.” 

Love as a concept is familiar, and we discuss it frequently. However, Saint John states, “Little children, let us not love in word or speech but in deed and in truth” (1 Jn 3:18). Therefore, the question arises: how do we practice love in our daily lives? Often, people refer to five beautiful channels of love: words, time, touch, service, and gifts. 

o A word of appreciation or encouragement is the first step toward love. Indeed, we speak often, but our conversations are mostly about news, ideas, planning, or corrections. Instead, how much of our dialogue truly connects?

o Quality time is next. This involves offering my wholesome presence to others. God desires to spend quality time with us, and He also encourages us to spend time with one another.

o The physical expression of love is the third. Joyful greetings, welcoming smiles, and affectionate, appropriate touches are all wonderful ways to convey deep love. 

o Jesus provided the ultimate example of service and encouraged us to follow his lead. Serving one another is the most genuine way to show Christian love.

o Finally, let's talk about gift-giving. We often practice this during Christmas, but in every family, friendship, and community, there are countless ways to express deep love through both gestures and material gifts. 

JY, a Nursery of Deep Love

It’s beneficial to ask in Jesus Youth why we have groups, gatherings, and fellowship. The Lord is offering us another chance to let our hearts express love. In a world that is often materialistic and selfish, we need safe spaces suitable for practicing intentional, deep love. I thank God that in the Jesus Youth movement, I have had many opportunities to experience genuine care.  Priests, sisters, families, men, women, and even children have reached out to me with profound love and encouragement. These moments have been deeply transformative and have helped me grow. 

What Mother Teresa said rings true: “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” The world progresses not because of the monumental actions of great leaders, but due to the simple acts of profound love from ordinary people. Similarly, the Jesus Youth movement remains vibrant and beautiful, thanks to the outpouring of deep love from countless kind hearts. My sincere prayer is, “Lord, let me also be one among them.” 

 Topics

    Formation in love

    Emotional healing

    Healing trauma

    Caring love


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