Love

From St. Bonaventure’s Life of St. Francis
Who is able to describe the devoted love with which Francis burned, the friend of Christ the Bridegroom? Like a glowing coal, he seemed completely absorbed by the fire of divine love. The moment he heard the love of God being mentioned he was excited, moved, and on fire as if the deepest chords in his heart had been plucked by those words. He used to say that it was honourable generosity to offer the love of God in exchange for handouts and anyone who thought less of the love of God than of money was a fool, and that the incalculable value of the love of God was the only thing that could win the kingdom of heaven. He used to say, ‘How deeply we should love the one who has loved us so much!
Question: Do you feel moved by the words ‘the love of God’?

Inspired to love God by everything he saw around him, he delighted in all the works of the Lord's hands. From their beautiful displays his mind looked upwards to the life-giving Source and Cause of all. In beautiful things he saw Beauty itself and he followed his Beloved everywhere through the imprints of the divine in all the creation, a ladder by means of which he could climb up and take hold of him who is to be loved completely. With an intensity of silent devotion he was able to find the Source of all good, like streams of goodness, in each and every creature. He saw the creatures like a choir in harmony interweaving the powers and skilfulness which God has given them; and, like the prophet David, he sweetly encouraged them to praise the Lord.
Question: Do you find that contemplation of the wonders of the creation leads you to adore and embrace God?

The mindfulness of Jesus Christ crucified was always present like a sachet of healing perfume in the depths of his heart, and he longed to be totally transformed into Christ through the fire of ecstatic love. In his extraordinary devotion to Christ he fasted the full forty days of Lent every year, shut himself away in a lonely spot and spent all his time praying and praising God. He loved Christ so fervently and Christ returned his love so intimately that he was aware of Christ present with him all the time, as he once privately admitted to his companions.
Question: Are you aware of Christ in his love present with you all the time, or just sometimes, or not really?

He burned with love for the sacrament of the Lord's Body, lost in wonder at the thought of God coming to him in such loving humility and with such humble love. He received Communion frequently and so devoutly that he roused others to a deep devotion too. The presence of the sinless Lamb of God at the Communion would take him out of himself, so that he was often lost in ecstasy.
Question: Do you receive Holy Communion? If so, what emotions do you have?

From The (First Order) Rule of 1221, Chapter 11
We must not indulge in dissing people or having arguments. Instead let us try to be quiet as and when God gives us the opportunity. We should not disrespect others or quarrel among ourselves or with others but be content to reply to everyone in a spirit of humility and say, ‘we are at your service, only doing what is expected of us’. We must not give way to anger because, as our Lord said, ‘anyone who is angry with their friend will be judged for their anger. Anyone who sneers at a friend, speaks contemptuously toward them, or calls them “Loser” or “Fool” or “Scum,” will have to answer to the high court. And anyone who calls their friend a fool may find themselves in the fires of hell.’
As Jesus commanded us, let us love one another, in what we do as well as what we say.
The brothers should not say bad or cruel things about anyone. They should not complain nor slander others. And they should be modest, showing great kindness to everyone. They should not judge or condemn. As the Lord says, ‘do not dwell on the slight faults of others, but rather reflect with shame on your own faults’. Let us struggle to enter through the narrow gate, for the Lord says, ‘The gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and few people find it'.
Question: do you find you often get irritated or perhaps even angry with the people around you? If so, how can you love them?

From the first biography of St. Francis by Thomas of Celano
How great was the love that was growing in that company of brothers! Whenever they came together in a group or met one another on the road (which was quite often) a shoot of spiritual love sprang up, scattering the seeds of true love over them all. What more can I say? – There were respectful hugs, affectionate feelings, pleasant conversations, modest laughter, joyful looks, an honest eye, a flexible mind, a peaceable tongue, a mild answer, a single purpose, prompt obedience, and untiring hands.
Question: Is your church or the community you attend like this?

From the Rule of Life for her Order, written by St. Clare
Moreover I ask and encourage the sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ to beware of all pride, conceit, envy, greed, care and anxiety about this world, criticism and grumbling, disagreements and division. Let us on the contrary always be eager to preserve among ourselves the unity of mutual love which is the bond of perfection.
Question: In your experience, has mutual love stopped or prevented problems like that?