By Nicolás Núñez, LC
The world, like the Church, is constantly celebrating; just look at a calendar and see that the days pass between one celebration and another. We all need to party, to celebrate. We celebrate birthdays, saints, anniversaries, graduations, end of courses. We rejoice in our achievements and those of others. The spiritual and the not so spiritual. Is there a reason for so much “fun”? Of course! Because, ultimately, behind every celebration, there is the acknowledgment of a nuance in our lives that makes it special, gives it meaning: a person, a work, an event. A trait that makes the life each of us lives unique. And if we celebrate a “trait,” how could we not celebrate the reason for our existence?
That “reason,” the “Primo Amore” that gave us life. Perhaps a life filled with crosses and bumps, probably with clouds, but always capable of celebrating a Friend who gave His life so that it could be better. What makes it so special is that “The Son of God loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). How could we not celebrate the most special thing: that God Himself loves us with such passion.
One might think that this is an “extra” celebration, since we already commemorate it during the Passion of Christ. However, this is “the feast of feasts, because His Heart, aflame with love, is what has moved Him to do all these things” (San Juan Eudes). We celebrate a real love that is dying of love for you and for me, and it shows. We celebrate the “symbol of love with which the divine Redeemer continually loves the eternal Father and all men” (Pius XII, Haurietis aquas).
Decided that this is a celebration worth marking, let us not forget that it is a special feast, with its own characteristics: All of us are invited, for we are all loved in this way by God. For the “entry pass,” it only requires wearing the “festive attire,” “clothing ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12), that is: “having the same attitude as Christ” (Philippians 2:5) towards others. Actively participating in this celebration means being willing to give our lives for others, knowing that there is another who gives His life for me.
By taking part in this celebration, we realize that by celebrating God’s Love, we are indirectly celebrating among ourselves those who enjoy His love. For, sharing the feelings of Christ (His total love for others), in a way, the “center of the celebration” is each one: you, the one beside you, and the other. And the best part is that it is a celebration that never ends, for His love never ceases. That is why Saint Paul wrote to the Philippians, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).
