Friday, May 26 : Saint Caesarius of Arles

If you love, you possess God, and if you possess God, what do you lack? What does the rich person possess if he does not love? What is the poor person lacking if he loves? Perhaps you think that the person whose trunk is full of gold is rich? … You are wrong, for that person is truly rich in whom God deigns to dwell. What can you not know of Scripture if love, that is to say God, has begun to possess you? What good action will you not be able to do if you are worthy of carrying the source of all kindness in your heart? What adversary will you fear if you merit having God in you as king? … So, dearly beloved brothers, let us learn to love God with all our heart and let us begin by loving all human beings as ourselves. If we do this, no conflict, no reason for dispute, no court case will be able to separate us – ourselves and our neighbor – from the love of God. Love all human beings with all your heart and do whatever you want. Love those who are righteous because they are already good but pray that they become even better. Love those who are not righteous because they are fellow mortals, but detest what is bad in them and constantly wish that God in his mercy will convert them to goodness.

maronite readings – rosary,team