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Thanks to St. Valentine, the 3rd century Christian martyr, February is the month of ‘love’! Therefore, it is timely to address the first Encyclical of Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, entitled Deus Caritas Est (On Christian Love). Oh Lord, how blessed we are to have been given this wise and holy Shepherd! When was it ever more necessary, than in this ‘culture of death’ to be reminded of the call to love?
Pope Benedict XVI is aware that “the term “love” has become one of the most frequently used and misused words,” (pg 2 of Deus Caritas Est.) This Encyclical Letter challenges us (me) to contemplate this Mystery of Love, and examine how I am living (or not living) the two Greatest Commandments, “You must love the Lord your God with all your Heart, with all you Soul and with all your Mind...You must love your neighbour as yourself.” Matt 22:37-39
The Holy Father wrote that “eros and agape – ascending love and descending love – can never be completely separated. The more the two, in their different aspects, find a proper unity in the one reality of love, the more the true nature of love in general is realized.” (Pg 5, DCE) How I love God, therefore, must be reflected in how I love my neighbour, or it is counterfeit love. Scripture tells us (1 John 4:20) “anyone who says “I love God,” and hates his brother, is a liar.” For me personally, this means that every time I gossip; every time I am critical in thought or word (unless my station in life demands that I make constructive criticism directly to a subordinate), I make my profession of ‘love of God’ a lie! Mea Culpa, mea culpa, mea culpa!!!
Love of God and love of neighbour call me to a continual ‘dying to self’, a call to serve and not to count the cost. Pope Benedict XVI says, “This proper way of serving others also leads to humility. The one who serves does not consider himself superior to the one served...being able to help others is no merit or achievement of their own. This duty is a grace. There are times when the burden of need and our own limitations might temp us to become discouraged. But precisely then we re helped by the knowledge that, in the end, we are only instruments in the Lord’s hands...” (Pg 20 DCE) This is personally a sobering thought! How many times have I patted myself on the back because I have done some service for others that I considered valiant!
Those who work in Pro Life, can attest to the fact that sometimes in our humanness we tend to get discouraged. Was it not Blessed Teresa of Calcutta that once said, we are not called to succeed, we are only called to work? This concept burned in my heart, “To do all we can with what strength we have, however, is the task which keeps the good servant of Jesus Christ always at work: “The love of Christ urges us on” (pg 20 DCE; 2 Cor5:14)
Our Supreme Pontiff points out how Mary, Mother of the Lord and Our Mother is an exemplar model for in the words “My soul magnifies the Lord.” ..she expresses her whole programme of life: not setting herself at the centre, but leaving space for God, who is encountered both in prayer and in service of neighbour.” (Pg 22, DCE) On self-examination, I wonder how many times each day do I become wrapped up in thinking of, or doing, what concern ‘me’? How often do I put myself at the centre, failing to act when I see a need, or acting selfishly? How often do I hold back, only giving as much as I feel ‘comfortable’ giving?
Often, I cry out, “Jesus, I love you...” then I quickly turn and condemn my neighbour! Therefore, every time I cry out words of endearment to You, My Jesus, help me to examine if I would apply similar affections toward my neighbour. I am coming to comprehend that my love for God, is only as pure and genuine as my love for my neighbour. Fr. Angelus from EWTN often says something like, the degree I love God is equal only to the degree I love my neighbour.
As a married woman, I have also come to realize the truth in the statement Our Holy Father makes on page 23 of this document, “...those who draw near to God do not withdraw from men, but rather become truly close to them.” There have been times I have felt that my spouse stood in the way of my drawing closer to God. When, in reality as I give my spouse the proper priority, and strive to be the best wife I can be, my relationship with God becomes more genuine. If I truly desire to draw closer to God, I can see that I must first draw closer to those He sends me to love. If He has called me to a married vocation, He wants me to serve Him in the spouse He has given to me.
This wonderful Encyclical challenges us (me) to a more authentic love. St. Valentine, pray for us.
Deus Caritas Est Grace Devine.
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