Lost in Translation

Eros, Philia or Agape?

What do the above words have in common? They are all Greek words for Love. But the meanings are very distinctly different. I learnt about this in today's mass in Father Y's (from RC) homily. It stuck in my head and I decided to search for these Greek words on the Internet to refresh my memory.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_words_for_love

The following are excerpts of what I remember from Father Y's homily:
When Jesus asked Peter: "Do you love me?", the English meaning of love is insufficient to explain the full significance. The significance can be better explained by the word, Agape. Agape has an element of sacrifice embedded. So, Jesus is really asking Peter whether he loves Jesus to the extent of sacrificing his live. In our lives, are saying that "Agape" to Jesus or is it actually most of the times "Philia"? By the way, Eros's meaning tends towards the physical aspect of love.

http://www.usccb.org/nab/042207.shtml

Wow, I think it will be very challenging to reach "Agape" stage. It is possible, but many a times we are just so washed away and flowing along with modern society norms. The concept of "Agape" may sound so idealistic to most. How to be life giving? Sometimes, what I think is good for well-being for the other person, may come out as not so life giving if it is expressed in the wrong manner. Especially since I do have a fast temper. Really do need to think more from the other person's perspective. How to do it? I need some guidance, really..