What is the meaning of “Love”?
By the Rev. Mia MiKyung Park
February, the shortest month of the year, is brimming with events that beckon us to explore the depths of love. In this significant period, I find myself constantly reflecting on the profound meaning of love, often turning to the timeless words found in 1 Corinthians 13.
Love, as described in 1 Corinthians chapter 13, is truly mysterious. It thrives when shared generously but withers away when held back. The essence of love is symbolized by Jesus, who humbly walked the journey to the cross.
“Love is patient, kind, devoid of envy, boastfulness, arrogance, and rudeness. It does not insist on its own way, remains untroubled, and forgives without keeping a record of wrongs. Love does not delight in wrongdoing but finds joy in the truth. It bears all things, believes in all things, hopes through all things, and endures all things. Importantly, love never reaches an end,” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).
As we approach Lent, which began on Ash Wednesday and coincides with Valentine’s Day this year, I want to take intentional time and effort to reflect on the selfless love of Jesus—a love without boundaries or limitations.
For 40 days, excluding Sundays, Lent is a season of self-examination, repentance, and reflection on Jesus’s sacrificial love. I want to walk towards a deeper understanding of that love. Jesus’s self-sacrificing love on the cross becomes powerful when it is not just spoken but lived out in our daily interactions. Also, this love is contagious and never contained in one place; it spreads out.
Jesus’s Agape love teaches us what it means to be a Christian, and this love will guide us humbly to walk the journey of faith. Jesus asks all of us personally, “Do you love me?” like Jesus asked Peter to affirm his love for Christ (John 21:15-19). Peter felt hurt since Jesus asked him three times. With each affirmation of love, Jesus tells Peter to “feed my lambs,” “take care of my sheep,” and “feed my sheep” (John 21:15-19).
Our Church School’s focus for Bible memorization in February is Matthew 7:12, known as the Golden Rule: “In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” This rule is made possible by the love that inspires and motivates us to mirror the life of Jesus, who continues to challenge us to get close to people who are marginalized in many ways to reach out to people beyond our abilities. The Golden Rule isn’t just a teaching or an ethical guideline; it’s a reflection of the love that underlies our faith. By treating others as we wish to be treated, we embody the self-giving, sacrificial love demonstrated by Jesus. This love doesn’t discriminate; it flows freely and generously, reaching beyond our comfort zones, and we share this love freely because we also receive it freely.
As we navigate through February, may our hearts be open to the mysterious and transformative power of love—love that never ends, love that bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things and commands us to take care of God’s people including ourselves.
The Rev. Mia MiKyung Park serves as the Associate Pastor of Blaine Memorial UMC.
Announcements
Order Easter Lillies Today!
Download the PDF form and print at home. Forms are needed by Sunday, March 24.
Read the latest issue of the Beacon!
Our February-March issue of the Beacon newsletter is ready for view. The March 2024 issue will be available very soon with more of the great news and insights Blaine Memorial UMC has to offer!
You can access past issues in our archive.
Wednesday Meditation & Prayer • Every Wednesday
The Wednesday Prayer group continues to meet each week. Our time together consists of a check-in question centering around United Methodist Founder John Wesley’s famous question, “How is it with your soul?” Our time together continues with a few readings from The Upper Room Magazine. Finally, we end our time together with a pastoral prayer. Join us!
Lent Book Studies
The Third Day: Living the Resurrection Lenten Book Study
This year’s All Church Lenten study is The Third Day: Living the Resurrection by Tom Berlin and Mark A. Miller. Just us in this Zoom study on Tuesdays at 7:00PM, which is being facilitated by Rev. Mia MiKyung Park and Rev. Karen Yokota Love. The link will be emailed prior to the meeting date. We will also meet on the remainig Tuesdays: 3/12, and 3/19 to discuss each chapter.
The Office is selling The Third Day: Living the Resurrection books for $14.00 and the Leader Guide is $12.00. You are welcome to buy the book in the Office and read with your small groups.
In The Third Day: Living the Resurrection, Tom Berlin uses his storytelling gifts and scriptural understanding to connect readers to the experiences of individuals around Jesus in his final days. The focus is on new life and redemption rather than loss.
Come and journey with characters like Peter, Mary Magdalene, and Thomas as they experience the despair of losing Jesus and the surprise and joy that awaits them in the resurrection. This study will explore events around these characters, along with Paul and the disciples at Emmaus, and how the resurrection transforms their lives.
NJAUMC Lenten Book Study continues until March 25!
Join Rev. John Miyahara (UMC/US Navy Chaplain), Rev. Brian Lee (Simpson UMC), and members of the Japanese American United Methodist Caucus congregations in a 6-week Lenten book study. We are reading Savior: What the Bible Says about the Cross by Magrey DeVega. Books are $17.00 in the Church Office. Please note that reading the book isn’t required! Join us tomorrow, Monday, March 11 from 4:30-6:00 PM (Hawaii), 6:30-8:00 PM (Pacific) and 7:30-9:00 PM (Mountain). The study will conclude on Mon., March 25.
Educational Scholarships 2024, Apply Now! • Due May 15, 2024
The Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church Educational Scholarships are designed to support the mission of the church through supporting a multitude of educational opportunities. We are proud to have helped students in their pursuit of continuing education since 1968. We encourage all applicants; from those just entering their next phase of education to those returning to complete or pursue continued education.
We are blessed to offer the following scholarships:
- Vera Ing Scholarship
- Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church Scholarship
- Yasuda Scholarship
- William S. Yorozu Scholarship
- Robert S. Sato Scholarship
Applications are available through emailing Blaine Scholarships or through the church office. All scholarships will consider, but are not limited to, elements such as grades (if applicable), personal essay, church participation and finances. Applications and two (2) letters of recommendation must be received no later than May 15, 2024 for consideration.
We are looking forward to applicants excited about pursuing their education.
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February-March 2024 Calendar
