Theology Blog

During my time with God today, I was listening to one of my Divine Office readings. The phrase that I heard during this time was “mystery is the root of love.”  I got stuck on that the rest of the time as I pondered what the means in every area and aspect of my life. Thinking about my marriage and my kids; I pondered what it means for mystery to be the root of that love. I thought about my relationship with God and what it means to embrace the deep mystery that is God’s unconditional love and grace for me. I thought about what it means to love others, and that love cannot ultimately come from my efforts alone. Love cannot be produced or completely understood, but the concept that love is a mystery is not as profound as the notion that mystery is the root of love. Roots keep plants alive, they keep them standing, they help them grow. They are a lifeline for the plant or tree. Mystery is the lifeline, the root, the power that is behind our love. Our failure to embrace mystery is our greatest mistake today in the church. As we neglect mystery, we limit love. Without love, we are nothing.