Today we have Paul's famous hymn to love as our first reading, a text much used by people getting married - and rightly so. It comes at the end of a passage where Paul has been speaking of the great variety of gifts given to the members of the Christian community. All of these gifts are not for the individuals who receive them but indicate the unique contribution each one is called to make in building up the community. However, Paul says none of the gifts is of any use if it is not motivated by love. To be a brilliant preacher, to be able to penetrate the mysteries of God's teaching, even to offer one's life in martyrdom and be without love is worth nothing. This love is the love that God first gives to us and shows to us in the life of Jesus. It is a love which is totally unconditional and keeps on giving even if it gets nothing in return or even brings on abuse. Patient, kind, never jealous, never boastful or conceited, never rude, selfish, ready to excuse, full of hope and ready to endure whatever comes. And this love is unique. Faith and hope will disappear: face to face with God they will melt away but love, mutual love is what heaven is about.