Charlie and Jim, February 14, 2021

Charlie and Jim, 2-14-21 @ 2pm
Lepley & Company, Massillon Train Depot

Song of Solomon 2:10-13
John 15:9-14, 17

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Amen.

As we just heard, Jesus says, “This is my commandment: that you love one another.”  That’s it.  That’s the commandment.  Love one another.  (Send tweet!)

By now, we’re all familiar with the phrase, “Love is love.”  What we usually mean when we say, “Love is love,” is something like this:  Love does not distinguish between different kinds of people.  There are no races or genders or barriers when it comes to love.  And since the commandment of Jesus himself is to love one another, well, love is love.

However, on some level, the reason we are all here today is because some people don’t believe that.  Some people want to control love, or to prevent love.  But Jesus never says, “Do not love one another.”  He always calls us to love.

Now, in a bizarre turn of events, these two have already had their love blessed by the Church.  And, because everything is insane and backwards, I am here to ratify their relationship on behalf of the state of Ohio.

Crazy, right?  I guess as long as everyone has their certified documents stored in some filing cabinet at the courthouse over in Canton, then we can get around to celebrating what matters: Love.

The commandment of Jesus is that we love one another.  And I am honored to stand with you today in the name of love.  Because love is love, is love is love is love.  And love is good.  Jesus says so.

Amen.