Practical devotion of the day: God's command of love

THE LOVE OF GOD

1. God commands it. You will love your God with all your heart, said the Lord to Moses; command repeated by Jesus in the new law. St. Augustine wonders, because our heart, created to love, does not find peace except in the love of God. What then can we command it? If we feel restless and unhappy with creatures, friends, pleasures, all earthly things, why don't we turn to God? How to explain so much ardor for men, and nothing for God?

2. This command is a mystery. God so great, so powerful, how come man's heart, so small and miserable, and weak earth worm almost goes limining? God, courted by myriads of Angels and Saints, how come he seems jealous of the heart of man, to whom he says: Son, give me your love? What good can man add to God, happy and blessed in himself, who says he finds his delights in us! What mysteries of love! Your heart asks, and you deny it?

3. Who benefits from the command of love. Whether you love or hate God, God does not change, he is always blessed. Whether you come to the Cycle or damage yourself, God draws from it equal glory or goodness or justice; but for you the damage and ruin Love God, and you will find peace of heart, contentment of the soul, as far as is lawful down here, and blessed fate for all eternity. Love him, that is: 1st do not offend him; 2nd think of him, live for him.

PRACTICE. - Spend the day without sins: say every now and then: My God, give me some love.