Relational Love

We live in an age that is fascinated by identity. There is ongoing debate on gender identity.

To understand who we are is a deep and healthy human need. So many people are not at home in their own skins and the application of labels can be deeply unhelpful. All of this sounds like serious inner
work – and it is! But the Christian believes we need to turn outwards, not gaze inwards at the self. In the age of the selfie, this is quite a challenge.

We start from a basic belief that every human being is made in the image of God; in this case, a relational God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Trinity). At the very heart of God are mutual relations between the three. From what I gather, neuroscience also holds that the brain is deeply social. Babies’ brains take shape when they sense and experience loving interaction. They are intensely social little people. Their journey to self-discovery is always made in the company of others. Often we hear people talking about ‘my other half’, or somebody who is or was ‘a part of me’. The way we speak about love is always relational. Unconsciously we use the language of the Trinity; we sense that somebody else makes us complete. Two people together are exclusive, but add a third, equal love and what do we have? A
community, a communion of love that is inclusive. You will have many glimpses of the Trinity in your life … just be open to them.

Excerpted from The Sacred Heart Messenger, December 2021, Tom Cox