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It is wonderful how the exercise of one’s will in a matter like this will eventuate in the correct emotions. Determining to wish that person’s good; deliberately trying to do something loving for him; and praying for him - all this will some day bring about the emotion of love itself. But love, as the Bible
interprets it, is an affair of the will, not necessarily of the emotions.
- Isobel Kuhn
(Love as a decision . . . Exercise your will unto love this day . . . ) |
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Acts 25:13b-21; Ps. 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20ab; Jn 21:15-19
R. The Lord has established his throne in
heaven.
Bless the Lord, my soul
and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he put our
transgressions from us.
The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.
Bless the LORD, all you his angels,
you mighty in strength, who do his bidding.
USCCB Lectionary
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John 21:15-19 (We now live for God)
Peter had denied Jesus three times and Jesus knew Peter must have felt terrible about this. That is why Jesus now gives Peter an opportunity to affirm his
love by asking his disciple three times, ‘Do you love me?” With Peter’s affirmative responses, Jesus states that acceptance of his love- should move us to share our lives with others.
- How does God “put a belt around you and take you where you would rather not go”? What kind of person would you be if you were not committed to following Jesus
Christ?
- Hear Jesus asking you, Do you love me?” After a few minutes, give him your response.
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The Way of Perfection, by Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) Continues the same subject and gives counsels concerning different kinds of temptation. Suggests two remedies by which we may be freed from temptations.
Do all you can to discuss these graces and favours with someone who can give you light and have no secrets from him. However sublime your contemplation may be, take great care both to begin and to end every period of prayer with self-examination. If these favours come from God, you will do this more frequently, without either taking or needing any advice from me, for such favours bring humility with them and always leave us with more light
by which we may see our own unworthiness. I will say no more here, for you will find many books which give this kind of advice. I have said all this because I have had experience of the matter and have sometimes found myself in difficulties of this nature. Nothing that can be said about it, however, will give us complete security.
What, then, Eternal Father, can we do but flee to Thee and beg Thee not to allow these enemies of ours to lead us into temptations? If attacks are made upon us publicly, we shall easily surmount them, with Thy help. But how can we be ready for these treacherous assaults, my God? We need constantly to pray for Thy help. Show us, Lord, some way of recognizing them and guarding against them. Thou knowest that there are not many who walk along this road, and if so many
fears are to beset them, there will be far fewer.
- Chapter
37 (Keep in mind that she is writing to sisters in a cloistered contemplative
order.)
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