Monday, February 19 : Blessed Columba Marmion

To think more of our neighbour, of his interests, his satisfaction and his joy, than of ourselves is the unequivocal sign of true charity : for to act in this way, not once, not ten times, but always, under every circumstance, towards all our bre- thren without distinction, one must love God truly ; a like love of the neighbour requires too much abnegation to be sustained for long for his own sake : it can only be so if it is born of God. Therefore charity towards the neighbour is given by Jesus in person as the pecial sign of God’s presence in the soul…. What indeed is charity ? It is the love of God enfolding in a single embrace God and all that is united to Him : the Humanity of Christ, and, in Christ, all the members of His Mystical Body. Christ is afflicted in the afflicted, He suffers in those who suffer, He is sad in those overwhelmed with sadness. Are not these the words of Infallible Truth ” As long as you did it to one of these, My least, brethren, you did it to Me” ? In becoming incarnate, Our Lord took upon Himself all our infirmities. imself all our infirmities. In ministering to these infirmities, it is Himself to Whom we minister…. God loves one who is happy to give himself. Such a disposition is the contrary of official charity, which is so often but the simulation of love that an English proverb says : ” Cold as charity. ” Our charity ought to be warm, ready to adapt itself generously, lovingly and always, to all our brothers’ needs. If we have these views of faith, our love will always be zealous, disinterested, and we shall not complain if we have often to give ourselves to others.

Roman Catholic Ordinary Calendar – rosary,team