"Make love your aim", Saint Paul exhorts us. [1 Cor 13:8-13] It is Christ's greatest gift and his principal commandment. It will be the mark by which men will know that we are disciples of Christ. It is a virtue, which for better or worse, we put to the test at every moment. At any time we can relieve necessity, say something pleasant, avoid gossip, give a word of encouragement, let somebody pass before us, intercede with God for someone in special need, give good advice, smile, help to create a more agreeable atmosphere amongst members of our family or at work; forgive someone, form a more favourable judgement, etc. We can do good or fail to do good; we can even do positive harm to others and that not only through omission. Charity urges us to show our love by performing works of service, by prayer and also by penance.When we grow in charity all our virtues are enriched and strengthened. None of them is a true virtue unless it is permeated with charity. You have as much virtue as you have love, no more.[F. de Osuna, A Spiritual Alphabet, 16,4]
From In Conversation with God, Vol. Three
Beautiful image, masterpiece of Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato: Madonna of the Rosary with Saint Dominic and Saint Catherine
No comments:
Post a Comment