Astonishing are the words of St. John in his first Epistle, which the Church has chosen as the Antiphon for the Lauds. Wonder not, brethren, if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. (iii, 13, 14.)
In a world that hates, we must be souls who love. We must teach the world again how to love, by loving. The masses revolt because they have not been sufficiently loved. At present, because they fail to expand their love, reserving it just for the members of their own class, they come very close to drawing evil from good. It is always the lack of love among men which is responsible for the wretched lot of a large part of humanity.
Let those who can serve the suffering put more love than ever into their service of humanity. They say that the scene of the Oberammergau Passion which stirs the greatest emotion is the washing of the feet. In general, nothing is more touching than true service of one's neighbor. I must not fear to put myself at my neighbor's feet if I wish to touch his heart.
Whoever cannot actually care for his neighbor's bodily or spiritual needs can at least pray for him; he can at least try to sanctify himself, through interior self-renunciation and immolation,
"O great Apostle, St. John, who spoke so beautifully of charity, obtain for me loving consideration for others, discernment to anticipate their needs; the power to heal; the zeal to help. Let me learn in your school what is meant by an Apostolic heart."_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
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