Journal of Sacred Work

 Today's meditation was written by Cathy Self, Senior Vice President for the Baptist Healing Trust.

     Agape is a love that is pure and unlimited for every human being without exception. According to Sir John Templeton, all of the world's religions, to varying degrees, teach and assume a priority of love. What scholars have discovered is that agape is not based on feelings or on how we are treated by others, but is rather unconditional and unlimited in its expression. Agape love is given for its own sake without any expectation of return. Despite differences, we can gather in unity around the highest of principles in the realization of agape among us.

     Among the traditions of the world are the practices emerging from Native American spirituality. Within that tradition is a poignant call to act from love. The "call to action" comes from the Cree tribe and was spoken by a teacher and storyteller of that people:

"According to my tradition, from the beginning of creation, every morning, when the sun comes up, we are given four tasks by our Creator for that day. First, I must learn at least one meaningful thing today. Second, I must teach at least one meaningful thing to another person. Third, I must do something for another person, and it will be best if that person does not even realize that I have done something for them. And, fourth, I must treat all living things with respect. This spreads these things throughout the world."

     The word meaningful implies something important, something that extends well beyond the "word of the day" or paying for my friend's cup of coffee. What is meaningful, however, to another may not be of value to me. It takes effort to discern what is another's deepest need and how I might meet that need.

     Agape in the Native American context affirms that all things are part of the web of life. To serve with this love is to be willing to learn, to share and give, to love for Love's sake alone without exception or expectation of reward. Agape is active and joy-filled, an invitation, a call to act. The words that emerge from the Native American tradition challenge us to consider Love in its active form. These are not new ideas, but in the rhetoric of difference it is so easy to lose sight of what is most important. We are called to Love, to agape – and beyond that there is no more noble a way to respond.