Lest You Remain

7 “The Father loves me for this” (Jn 10:17). Christ says that the reason why His Father loves Him, is that He gave his life for the salvation of the people. Similarly, you will experience the love of God, only when you care for the sal- vation of your brother and out of love for him, you will take up and bear all dis- tress, difficulties and demands. The one who does not love his brother is unworthy of God’s love. The one who, because of the Highest Good, does not treat with love those who do wrong to him, is undeserving of the love of this Good. Would you like God to love you? Then love your brother because of God. Since every day, you receive so many goods from the hand of God, why don’t you do good to others? God gave His love for your salvation, while for the salvation of your brother, you try to avoid even the slightest hardships. Believe me: in this way, you do not love God and God is not going to love you. “There is no greater love than this: to lay down one’s love for one’s friends” (J 15:13). ( Inspectio Cordis ) 8 Consider all the dangerous accidents, which you managed to escape unhurt or avoided altogether, only thanks to the help of the Highest God, the Best Father and Protector. To immerse you mind in these thoughts, recall the trips, and places, actions and conversations and dangers and focus on them. The more clearly you see the protection of Providence and the strong hand of the great and Highest God, the more it will make your heart burn with stronger feelings for Him and the more you will thank Him with all your heart and you will give yourself to His love. Why should you not love Him, when He has loved you so much, that He never turns His most merciful and kind eye away. ( Inspectio Cordis ) 9 Consider that the measure of graces depends on the measure of love. Thus, the one who has a greater love for the Highest Goodness, receives more abundant graces and more numerous rewards of love. My spirit, what can you hear? What can you Fr. Founder’s Selected Thoughts on the Religious Life 141