“And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” – Ephesians 5:2

Apostle Paul describes love as an action that is patient, kind, not self-seeking or unforgiving. I like to view it in this light – that love is undying, and to love is to surrender. Undying love is a commitment that transcends any circumstance or situation. It is love that endures forever and goes the extra mile if need be. Just like God’s love for His children – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16.

Our verse for today encourages us to walk in the way of love, just as Christ did and gave himself as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Just as St. Damien, the Belgian priest who gave up everything for the sake of lepers in Molokai.

In 1873 a settlement of lepers was founded on Molokai, one of the Hawaiian Islands, where lepers would be quarantined and the man who would become St. Damien of Molokai volunteered to take charge of the colony. While there he improved water and food supplies and housing, founded two orphanages, and organized schools, industry, and worship. He contracted leprosy in 1884 but refused a cure because it would mean leaving the island. Following Christ in the most visual way possible, this man practically left his life and inheritance in Belgium, devoted himself to improving living conditions and the general welfare of lepers in this colony. Without him, they would all have probably died unsaved, neglected and unhappy.

By all accounts St. Damien was a man of undying love, and if there was ever an example besides that of Christ to serve as our blueprint, it is this. We can all draw inspiration from his story and also learn to walk in the way of undying love. Even if it means sacrificing our lives for others.

After sixteen years of service, St Damien succumbed to leprosy, he was first buried nearby, then his remains were transferred to Belgium in 1936. His right hand was returned to Hawaii in 1995 to be reburied in his original grave at Molokai. The day of his passing, April 15, is a minor statewide holiday in Hawaii.

Today, we pray the good Lord empower us to walk in the way of undying love. We pray that God will help us be a reflection of Him and an example of undying love to the world, Amen.

John 3:16
Ephesians 5:2