Revolution of Love.com
why the name "revolution of love"?
The other day we received an email that said:
Thank you for the zine "Revolution of Love". I enjoyed it greatly. Just out of curiosity, how are you guys using the word "revolution"? I have the understanding that its meaning is 'a violet overthrow of the government and a social-economical change in society'.
Bobbi replies: The revolution we propose is a revolt against all that is evil in this world. The "government" we seek to overthrow is not so much a physical one but a spiritual one - the governing of the evil one. We want the "social-economical change in society" to ultimately be living life according to God's Word and the following of His Will.
However by adding the word love we are acknowledging the paradox that true reform can only be brought about by charity, not violence to others. The "violent overthrow" is not aimed at others but at ourselves - overthrowing our own sins and vices. Society can only be changed one person at a time beginning with ME. By offering our body as a "living sacrifice" we are dying to self and aligning our free will to God's will. By doing this we are not conforming to the ways of "this world" but living our lives as revolutionaries for the love of God.
"I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:1-2
Brian replies: Several years ago I came across a book that featured several plays by a young playwright named Karol Wojtyla, who is now known as Pope John Paul II. The play "Our God's Brother" caught my attention. It was based on the life of Albert Chmielowski - an artist turned religious, who cared for the homeless of his day in Krakow Poland. His life of heroic virtue and unwavering love led to his canonization in 1989.
While learning about saintly Albert's life I couldn't help but think of him as a revolutionary. From his early days as an artist to discovering his true vocation, Albert experienced within his heart and soul a personal revolution. He struggled with his faith and calling but eventually surrendered to the Holy Will of God. The inner revolution St. Albert endured was not one of violence, but one of love.
Albert's inner revolution did not stop with a changed heart and soul but was carried to the streets and to the people of Krakow. He established and ran homeless shelters for men and women who were considered and treated as outcasts by society. St. Albert fed the homeless, clothed them, restored their dignity and did his part to reform society.
Within Albert an authentic revolution took place and this authenticity was the catalyst behind his labors on behalf of the homeless. In my opinion St. Albert was not just any revolutionary, but a revolutionary fighting for Love itself. His revolution, guided by the Holy Spirit and strengthened by the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary was - and is - the revolution we Catholics are called to join and fight.
When Bobbi and I were trying to decide on a name for our apostolate my thoughts went to St. Albert and the first thing that came to mind was "revolution of love". Some might think that this name is a contradiction, asking how can the idea of revolution co-exist with love? I see no contradiction at all. In this technologically advanced age - where materialism, paganism and the loss of faith surrounds us - all Catholics are called to be "revolutionaries of love". The modern day Catholic is not called to be a revolutionary who sows discord, but one who sows the seeds of God's love. This is how I see ROL, as an instrument that will contribute to sowing the seeds of God's love and mercy.
On numerous occasions John Paul II has called our culture " a culture of death". I believe the only way to combat and challenge the culture we live in, is to start an authentic revolution, a revolution founded on love where our guide is the Roman Catholic Church, our helmet and shield, the Holy Eucharist, and our weapons, the Gospels and the Holy Rosary. It is time to pick up our armor and weapons and join the revolution!