February 19

Second Monday after Epiphany

Let love be without dissimulation. Romans 12:9.

"LOVE is a virtue whereby we long to see and enjoy God." It shows itself in outward acts of love to man, or where it may be, in labour for God. But these are only outward forms wherein the inward life puts itself forth. These shall cease in the world to come (for where there is no misery there is no room for works of mercy, nor for labour where all is everlasting rest), but "charity never faileth." It is itself deep within, in the heart, ever there, even when not called to act, like hot glowing coals, which dart forth in a quick consuming flame when fuel is laid upon them, but their deep, pure, white heat is within. Acts of love strengthen the inward fire of love; and love which puts itself not forth in deeds of love, would go out, as a fire without fuel; but they do not first light it. Love is the "fire" which our blessed Lord came to send upon the earth, and would that it would be kindled. He kindled it by His own Death and Passion, "heaping coals of fire upon our heads," to melt us to love. He kindled it by sending His Spirit into our hearts, "a Spirit of burning" to burn out what was defiled, enlighten what was dark, make what was cold to glow, melt what was done, purging away our dross and changing the dull ore into the fine gold.

Spirit of gentle love, Thou tempest-calming Dove, Come, and within me dwell, Come, and all gloom dispel.

O light and lamp Divine, Upon my midnight shine Better than star or moon, Brighter than day's bright noon.