Love Is Oneness

When Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul and Mary fame) performed here in Duluth in 2024, I believe everyone at The West Theatre was touched by his gentle spirit. He was dying of bladder cancer and a bit frail, but simultaneously thoughtful and kind. During the concert he made a comment that I felt was courageous for a Jewish man in these polarized and hostile times. He said that we all need to love one another, the Arab, the Jew and the Christian. I believe he was speaking truth into the Palestinian conflict specifically, but into all of the conflicts that divide us, whether by race, creed or gender.

This memory brought to mind another memory from near fifty years ago. There was a missionary family on furlough from their missionary service in Yemen. It was a large family and they were a musical family. They sang songs for us with a Middle Eastern cadence in a haunting minor key that feels both evocative and mysterious, like a story full of longing and hidden strength.   

One of the songs so touched me that I asked them to write the words for me, which I share with you now.

Love is oneness, oh how sweet

to obey this law;

The unlovely we may meet

need our love the more.

Make us one, oh Love, we plead,

With men’s sorrow and their need.

 

We are one in needing love,

let us true love show;

Only Love’s Son from above

makes our spirits grow.

Love us, this is our heart’s need,

Let us love and live indeed.

 

We are also one in this:

we must love or die.

Loving others is true bliss,

self-love is a lie.

Love of self is inward strife,

Love turned outward is true life.

 

Let us love and fruitful be,

love is God’s own breath;

Love will kindle love and see

new life born from death.

Nowhere is a heaven more sweet

than where loving spirits meet.

* * * 

 

May your holiday season include re-connecting 

with those who are important to you 

and with those who need you.