Relational Love Defines COS - Carole Tallant
As the days of the pandemic rolled on, I realized my naïve hope that we would soon return to church was not to be, and so I began searching for other ways to maintain and expand the relational love that for me is the foundation of COS.
My search began with Friar Richard Rohr’s books and daily commentaries, which fed my soul and led to additional sources of inspiration.
Over the months of Covid, I have realized more profoundly that all relationships (should) emanate from love and inclusivity. Even those difficult political and cultural interactions that I struggle with should mirror the reality of the Trinity, which is relational.
St. Bonaventure (1221-1274) called the Trinity a “fountain fullness” of love. As Bonaventure and Rohr remind us: God is unhindered dialogue, a positive and inclusive flow, an eternal waterwheel of self-emptying and outpouring love—that knows it can completely self-empty because it will always be filled back up. This is the very definition and description of divine love; all human love merely imitates, approximates, and celebrates this same pattern. . . . In a true relationship, no one’s individuality is lost. It is increased. That is the beauty of Connections.
One of the many mystics he mentioned was St. Theresa whose prayer became a daily mantra. The line suggesting we should “pass on the love that has been given to you” resonated most profoundly with me and that is how I strive to define all my relationships:
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.
