"We love because you first loved us. If anyone says, 'I love God,' yet hates his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother."
  1 John 4:19-21

Commencing a long anticipated "special vacation" in November (celebrating several important milestones for us in 2003) we sat in the departure lounge at the Philadelphia airport. My attention was drawn to an older man sitting nearby who closely resembled the "farmer with pitchfork" in Grant Woods' famous painting "American Gothic." He had an unfriendly countenance -- furrowed brow, mouth turned down almost in a grimace and ice-cold eyes. He was on our plane to Rome and I thought to myself, "boy, if he's also on our cruise I better stay clear of him!" (How's that for prejudice?) Well, he was; but, I didn't avoid him.

Naturally, we saw each other frequently as we passed on the deck of our small ship and I made it a point to greet him with a cheery "hi" or "nice day." He'd nod, sometimes saying tersely, "yes, it is." A week or so into our trip we encountered really rough seas one night. The next day I stopped by his table where he sat alone having lunch, and I asked how he fared during the previous night's storm. He smiled, said "just fine." Then he said, "Would you like to join me?" Of course I did. I learned he was a retired government employee; was originally from Minnesota; had adopted a German infant when stationed in that country while in the Army; was a Lutheran; had lost his wife just two years ago and this was his first cruise without her. We talked on and on, striking up an amiable acquaintanceship. We continued to see each other regularly and, of course, at the Protestant Services which were conducted, by the way, by a retired Lutheran Pastor. What a nice man my "new friend" turned out to be. How fortunate I was to have ignored my first impressions and to seek to know him and to show Christian love for him.

Moral 1: Don't judge a book by its cover.
Moral 2: Love your fellow man as you would like to be loved.

Prayer:
Gracious God, help us to love one another as you love us. You love us beyond our deserving and bless us beyond our comprehension. Amen

Contributed by Jack P.
Published Monday January 13, 2003
Week 7 of Liturgical Year B