He could hardly have been a worse criminal. Torturing others was his way of life. 

   As he walked the dusty road, he was probably plotting the capture of his next group of Christians, relishing how he could punish them into forsaking their beliefs.

   The story of Saul's walk to becoming St. Paul has transfixed Christianity for two millenniums. His life changed the moment he heard the voice of Jesus ask, "Why?" Why was he torturing Christians?

    What was it in the heart of this man that allowed him to smell the flower of Love while breathing the fire of hate?

   Consider the three front-facing petals of the huge May-born magnolia (above.) What do you see there beyond the flowered shapes?

  In 312 C.E. Constantine led his army toward an assault on Rome. At the Milvian bridge, he, like Paul, felt a sign. Looking skyward, he saw the image of the cross and felt Jesus say "In hoc signo vinces" (By this sign you will conquer.)

   Constantine's first act after being crowned emperor was to declare Christianity legal. His decision transformed history. The foundations of the Bible most Christians read today were laid by Constantine's Council of Nicea.

   The Apostle Paul and Emperor Constantine affected us when their lives turned from hate to Love.

   What would it take to free your heart from the claws of fear and release it into the lap of Love?

   Most of us don't change because we hear Jesus speaking to us in the car on the way to work. It's gradual changes that may carry us forward. More likely, we default to the grip of old patterns.

   Imagine how your life would be transformed if you accepted Love's message. How would the experiences of your patients and co-workers change if you became a channel of God's Love?

   My heart breaks when I see how many caregivers have let their calling become just a job. The drumbeat of daily routines has blunted their life's best energy. Instead of surrendering to Love, they have capitulated to mediocrity.

   Some of us see Love's choice but can't sustain the energy to embrace it with all of our being.

   It's very hard. And nothing is more important.

   Don't wait for the voice of Love to call to you from the sky. That voice has already spoken – not from the sky, but from your heart.

   No outside voice can change you. We must make our own decision to turn our heart towards Love.

   Imprinted on the three magnolia petals I see the faces of fear, need and hope.

   Help the suffering. Live Love, not fear.

-Reverend Erie Chapman

Photograph: "Three-faced Magnolia" copyright erie chapman 2012