The Story of Love

A New Commentary on Luke 15:20

So he got up and went to his father.

‘But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms round him and kissed him. -Luke 15:20

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The story of love continues. It leaps over barriers that divide to reappear in the hearts of every parent when they read fairy tales like Snow White and Cinderella to their children. Come what may, the story of love beats in every human heart.

However, after a few experiences of love betrayed our hearts are hardened. We capture, emphasize, and exaggerate stories of betrayal, greed, and power. We repeat these stories of the brutality of human life to remind ourselves that we cannot trust love. We remain vigilant for the hidden power play, using cynicism as our weapon of choice. We live behind our castle wall, promising ourselves to never again be hurt by our naive desire for love.

Yet, like a princess in one of our fairy tales, we look at love from a perch in a tower window. We are protected from love but long for its return upon the horizon of our lives. If we continue to search for love with all our hearts, we will see another story that transcends the betrayal of love.

It is not a children’s story. But it is loved by children. It is not an adult story. But it includes betrayal, greed, and power plays. It has much in common with the love stories we tell ourselves and our children. But it is a love story of a different kind.

The love at the heart of this story involves no manipulation or coercion. Yet, against all odds it blossoms and flourishes. This love calls to us from below our window perch. It woos us with a renewed hope of satisfying love. It draws us outside of our castle. Beyond our walls, love embraces us, guides us in healing paths, and teaches us. We learn how to live freely, in generosity and goodwill, until the day we enter the land we have longed for, a kingdom consumed by love whose citizens live happily ever after.

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