The apologist
Only one who has touched the Infinite Love can teach us of love. All others are mere pretenders.
You apologist, your arguments are eloquent. Your knowledge of logic is formidable. You are well-versed in Latin, Sanskrit, and Greek. You defend your faith against heretics, proclaiming your mission is to convert all the non-believers or die trying.
With each battle won against the non-believers, your pride swells.
But doesn’t your faith call you to die to yourself first, to love sinners, to comfort the sick? So if you have died to yourself, who then is winning all these battles?
Are we not all made in the image of the Great Love?
Doesn’t the kingdom of heaven belong to the pure in heart, the humble, the merciful, the peacemakers?1
Logic cannot penetrate the doors of Love; you know that better than anyone. And you are aware these ancient languages cannot usher you into the cloud of Darkness where Moses met the I AM.2
Moses was commanded to remove his earthly sandals first. He had to shed his pride before touching holy ground. Why would it be any different for you?
Have you laid your head on the Beloved’s bosom? Eaten the bitter melon He slices for you at lunch? Tasted the Living Water He offers at the well?
What is the point of defending your faith if you haven’t met the One whom the Scriptures speak of?
Are you a sophist pretending to be a lover?
So what if you can recite Scripture, know the intricacies of the cosmological arguments, and chant the great hymns? But you have never sat at the Beloved’s feet nor touched his garment as He passed by. So then your knowledge is empty; a husk blowing in the storm.
Only one who has touched the Infinite Love can teach us of love. All others are mere pretenders.3
To know the One, you must shed your pride.
Or else when the time comes, you may stand before the One, boasting, “I defended you against unbelievers!" But do not be shocked if the Voice replies, “I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers!”4
Who is the true lover, then, my friend? Not the one who boasts of love untasted, but the one who dances in her Beloved's embrace. Who is the true friend? Not the one who counts each minute to exchange favours, but one who freely gives.
So sell your knowledge and buy humility.
Strip your clothes, leave your words behind, and see the Beloved’s face in your neighbour. To love them is to touch His heart.
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Gospel of Matthew.
Exodus.
Katha Upanisad.
Gospel of Matthew.