How can love survive in such a graceless age?

I know I’m dating myself by saying this, but my favorite band is the Eagles. They were popular when I was in high school, went their separate ways for many years, then came back together to record and tour in the mid-90s.

I went to one of their concerts a few years ago (it was great!). I quickly realized that times had changed – “this isn’t your father’s rock concert” – when I saw the concession stands offering wine and gourmet pastries.

There’s a section in one of the Eagles’ songs (actually a song – Heart of the Matter – from one of lead singer Don Henley’s solo albums) that says:

            These times are so uncertain,
            There’s a yearning undefined,
            And people filled with rage.
            We all need a little tenderness,
            How can love survive in such a graceless age?

An insightful commentary on today’s world and a very good question. How can love survive in such a graceless age? Pope Benedict gave us a pretty good road map to follow in his very first encyclical letter Deus Caritas Est (God Is Love).

Only authentic love will fulfill the “yearning undefined,” will calm all the “people filled with rage,” will provide “a little tenderness,” will “survive in such a graceless age.” Who will bring that love to the world?

While every one of us can and should do so, it’s a priest – by virtue of the Sacrament of Holy Orders which he received at his ordination – who can do it in a most magnificent way by living out his priesthood with great zeal, great joy, great love.

Is Jesus calling you to love like that?