In this world, there are three classifications of love, eros, phileo and agape. The final type is an immaculate love that always perseveres; such love is from God. He is personally concerned with every detail of his children's lives. It is this love, although frequently dismissed, that leaves an impact. His love is constant and nothing can ever be done to alter it. He is gently calling everyone to a life of self-abandonment. One glimpse of his love and life is forever changed. God uses different instruments to portray himself to individuals. Whether the it is desired or not, it waits patiently with open arms, an ever present love, desiring to consume. George Rayber is terrified of such love and aspires to have nothing to do with it. Whether he likes it or not, this wild love will change him more than he would ever like to imagine. Although Bishop is only a child, he represents the most powerful love of all.
Bishop's physical characteristics portray Christ and the love that he has for his children. The name Bishop has an enormous symbolic representation. A bishop is an official authoritative intermediary, guiding people in the light of Christ. One author writes, "The bishop is not a delegate of the pope, but one commissioned by Jesus Christ with a proper responsibility of his own which is rooted in the sacramental order" (qtd. in Neuhaus). Bishop's are tools used directly by God, to complete his work. They are messengers, relaying Christ's desires. Kasper quotes Augustine " in the action of the bishop, it is Christ who preaches, baptizes and consecrates" (qtd. in Neuhaus), it is not the hands of the bishop's at work, but instead the hands of Christ. Bishop is an instrument applied in Rayber's life, by God. He is intimately related with the very being and ministry of Jesus Christ. Bishop is nurturing the seeds of love planted in Rayber's heart, he " is the double of the old prophet, reflecting both his innocence and his idiocy" (Hendin 58).
