Having a fight or an argument with a loved one can be pretty hurtful.  Things are said that might not be meant. Things are held back, maybe out of fear of the other’s reactions.The “love is kind” verse is all but forgotten. And, although you may forgive, sometimes it feels like nothing is ever the same.

A friend was confiding in her friend’s marriage which was having some trouble. Her friend said every time her husband did a mean thing (I can’t remember what it was), it felt like, to her, that a layer of love was being peeled away. A layer that you can’t get back.

I really like the Corinthians verse, but I don’t often remember it in the heat of an argument.  I pull up walls and shields and step into “protect-myself” mode. The Corinthians verse only sounds like opening up yourself for more hurt at that point.

But as the verse suggests – we need people. We need them in our lives for a variety of reasons, from as simple as being there to check out or groceries or stock the shelves to as complex as listening in a time of need. We need people to take care of us and our children.  We need grandmas and grandpas to pass on wisdom from their own and from their time.

But, we can’t remember that when we’re caught up in this anger – over what? Because you didn’t get your way? Love is patient, love is kind. Love is never jealous. Love is never boastful.

Today, at Mass – we are reminded This is Lent. During Lent, it’s is of more importance, as we prepare for Jesus’ resurrection, the celebration of life – it is more important to now not covet your neighbors goods, be patient, kind, and live without. Now, when we prepare for God‘s ultimate love – sacrifice so that we may live, now is the time to forgive because, I suppose, hopefully nothing will be the same. Hopefully, it will be better.