Rise to the Call—Agape Is Our Mission
Envision a battlefield—not of steel and fire, but of the soul. We Catholic men stand amidst a struggle against selfishness, pride, and a culture that has lost sight of authentic love. As I prepared this final reflection in our series on the four Greek words for love, I found myself drawn to a truth both daunting and exhilarating: agape, the highest form of love, is our divine mandate. Having explored storgi (affection), philia (friendship), and eros (romantic love) over recent weeks, we now arrive at agape—the selfless, sacrificial love that defines our faith.
Gentlemen, agape is not a mere sentiment; it is the love of God Himself, exemplified in Christ’s Passion and offered to us as both gift and command. It is the standard to which we are summoned as warriors for Christ. I confess a surge of anticipation as I prepared to address this topic, for agape demands that we transcend mediocrity and embrace a life of heroic virtue. Join me as we examine its meaning, its roots in salvation history, and its practical application in our daily vocations. Let us embark on this exploration with resolve.
Agape Love Defined: The Selfless Love Catholic Men Need
Imagine a moment of quiet reflection, perhaps late at night, when the words of St. Paul echo in your mind: “Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, it is not pompous…” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). We have all heard this passage, often at weddings, yet its depth eludes casual acquaintance. This is agape—the divine love that surpasses human inclination. Unlike storgi, which binds families, philia, which unites friends, or eros, which ignites romance, agape seeks nothing in return. It is pure, unconditional, and enduring.
St. Thomas Aquinas offers a piercing insight: agape is “willing the good of the other” as an act of the will, not a fleeting emotion. It is a deliberate choice to place another’s well-being above our own, even when such a decision tests our resolve. I recall counseling a young couple preparing for marriage, their eyes alight with the fervor of eros. I cautioned them that this intensity would wane—a natural progression—and that agape would sustain them through the inevitable trials. For agape is the perfection of all loves, the summit to which we are called as Catholic men. It is not passive; it demands action, fortitude, and an unwavering commitment to the good.
Agape Love Revealed: Christ’s Sacrifice Fuels Catholic Faith
Consider the weight of a carpenter’s cross, borne through the streets of Jerusalem. This image, etched into the fabric of our faith, encapsulates agape in its fullest expression. The entire narrative of salvation history testifies to this love: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son” (John 3:16). God’s agape for humanity—flawed, rebellious, and often indifferent—culminated in the sacrifice of Christ. On that cross, Jesus bore the burden of our sins, offering His life not out of compulsion, but as a free gift of divine love.
Reflect for a moment on the audacity of this act. We, His creation, falter daily—sometimes in grave defiance, other times in subtle neglect—yet Christ’s response was to lay down His life. This is the epitome of masculinity: a strength that surrenders for the sake of others. I once stood before a crucifix in silent awe, struck by the realization that this love persists despite our ingratitude. And it extends further still. In the Eucharist, we encounter agape in a tangible form—Christ’s body, blood, soul, and divinity, given anew each day. Every Mass is an invitation to receive this love and to bear it forth into the world. For Catholic men, this is both our foundation and our call.
Agape Love vs. the World: A Challenge for Catholic Men
Now, let us turn our gaze outward. We inhabit a society enamored with self-interest and instant gratification, where love is often reduced to fleeting pleasure or romantic idealism. Agape, by contrast, stands as a radical counterpoint. It is countercultural in its essence, demanding that we prioritize others in an age that exalts the individual. Our fallen nature resists this call—selfishness whispers that our needs come first, pride insists we deserve more. Yet agape requires us to forgive, to serve, to open our hearts fully, even at the risk of pain.
Agape Love in Action: Your Vocation as a Catholic Man
Our vocations are the arenas where agape takes flesh. Whether married, ordained, or single, each state offers a unique path to live this divine love. For those bound by the sacrament of marriage, agape is the bedrock of family life. I think of my brother-in-law, bleary-eyed at 1 a.m., soothing his newborn for the fifth time that night. There is no reward in those moments—no accolades, no respite—only the quiet choice to will the good of his child and wife. This is agape: rising above exhaustion, forgiving a spouse’s faults, and loving through the mundane. Husbands and fathers, your vocation is a daily crucible for this love—embrace it with steadfastness.
For priests, agape shines in service to the faithful. I am privileged to know Father Dom, a priest whose dedication exemplifies this love. His days are a whirlwind of Masses, confessions, and care for the marginalized—often at the cost of rest. His is a sacrificial love, poured out for his parish without reserve. Priests, your calling mirrors Christ’s own, shepherding souls to heaven through selfless devotion. Your example inspires us all.
To those yet discerning their path, agape is no less vital. Your vocation, though not formalized, lies in your community—your parish, your friendships, your witness. I recall a single friend who spends hours mentoring youth in our parish, asking nothing in return. His love strengthens those around him, proving that every man’s life is a mission field for agape. Wherever you stand, serve with purpose.
Our primary duty, as St. Augustine’s ordo amoris suggests, aligns with our vocation. This focus does not exclude broader charity, but it anchors us in the surest path to holiness. Catholic men, your vocation is your battleground—wield agape as your sword.
How Catholic Men Can Live Agape Love Today
Though divine, agape is not beyond our reach. We are fallen, yes, but grace enables us to cultivate this love through deliberate effort. Consider these practices:
-
Imitate Christ: Study His life in the Gospels, particularly His Passion. Reflect on how He loved—selflessly, tirelessly—and model your actions accordingly. Thomas à Kempis’ Imitation of Christ is a worthy guide.
-
Act Intentionally: Seek small opportunities for sacrifice—listening patiently, forgiving readily, serving without expectation. These acts build the habit of agape.
-
Rely on Grace: Frequent the sacraments—Eucharist and confession—to draw strength from Christ’s love. Prayer sustains us in this pursuit.
Begin where you are, and let grace refine you.
