August 19
Daily Gleanings of the Saintly LifeFifth Monday after Trinity
Love as brethren. I S. PETER iii. 8.
TRUE love is never wanting under any trial, this we must ever bear in mind if we would follow our Master. The aim of Christianity, as of its Founder, is to kindle us with His Spirit and to teach us to live solely thereby. The supernatural charity which the Holy Spirit pours into our hearts causes us to love God for His own sake with true love; and to love our neighbour with a similar love for God's sake, because it is His will, and He is glorified by such a love, which returns to Him as its source. Those loving deeds which are done to our neighbour for God's sake are the most perfect of all, "because they have reference solely to Him; and the good offices which we render to those we love because of our personal affection are less meritorious, because of the satisfaction we find in them, which is what often prompts them rather than the love of God." So far from loving our neighbour less because we love him in and for God, we love him far more, and our natural friendship becomes supernatural; and that which is earthly becomes heavenly. We need to look upon our neighbour as in the Breast of Christ. He who does not do this runs the risk of not loving purely, faithfully. That Saviour in Whose Breast we behold him loved him so as to die for him. Let us love for God's sake those whom we already love for their own sake, such love endureth for ever.
Our God is love; and all His Saints His image bear below:
The heart with love to God inspired With love to man will glow.
Teach us to love each other, Lord, As we are loved by Thee.