We draw not only our strength to love from our love of God but the fullness of human life is made possible only by loving God above all else for his sake. Love then flows outward, as an abundant well-spring, to others. So powerful becomes this force of love that the Christian can even love those who hate him. His love of Christ empowers him to love and pray even for his enemies.
Theology
St. Justin Martyr
The Roman prefect Rusticus, his hate-filled eyes fixed intently on St. Justin, said: “Do you have an idea that you will go up to heaven to receive some suitable rewards?” Justin responded: “It is not an idea that I have; it is something I know well and hold to be most certain.”
Can Catholics And Other Christians Divorce and Remarry?
In today’s gospel (Mk 10:1-12), Jesus answers a pointed question from the Pharisees regarding the permanency of marriage and the possibility of divorce. The answer he gives was as countercultural then as it is now.
Stumbling Blocks and The Danger of Scandal
It’s a convenient, easy, worldly and “New-Agie” thing to do—making God “easy to get along with” or viewing him in a “nice” unchallenging way. But it’s not a virtuous or spiritually intelligent thing to do. It’s not a wise thing to do. Nor is it a loving thing to do. Worse yet, it can lead to the sin of scandal.
The Human Conscience: The Voice of God Within
“Deep within his conscience man discovers a law which he has not laid upon himself but which he must obey” (CCC 1776). What is the human conscience, how is it formed, and what does it mean to follow it?