Practice of Love: A Difficult Task

As the children of Adam, we all have our weaknesses. … [Though] animated by the desire to do good … it cannot be expected that … [we] will never cause one another displeasure. All, therefore, should be ready for such circumstances and be patient. (OOCC, I, pp. 108-109)

St. Vincent Pallotti was realistic in considering the practice of the commandment of love as a difficult task for many people. He also admitted that some would fail to observe this law of love in their everyday living because every human person is basically weak. As the children of Adam, every human person has a nature that is weakened. As a result, he is tempted and bound to fall prey to his own sinful inclinations and tendencies. Although a person is inspired by the desire to do good, he is not in heaven but rather on earth. Hence, due to the limitations of his own nature and personality, he may cause displeasure to his neighbor. Therefore, St. Vincent asks all his followers not to be anxious about all such circumstances, but rather be ready for experiences in which one may fail the other. The significant attitude a person must develop in all these circumstances is patience and kindness, because love is patient and kind. Thus, according to St. Vincent, despite one’s failure in genuine practice of love towards one’s neighbor, one must put on love and be reconciled with one another, once again beginning their life of relationship.

Is the living of the commandment of love a difficult task in my life? Do I acknowledge my weakness that makes me fail in living the commandment of love? Am I ready to reach out to my neighbor in reconciliation when I fail? Am I patient and kind towards my neighbor when he fails?

For thus said the Lord God, the Holy one of Israel: By waiting and by calm you shall be saved; in quiet and in trust your strength lies. (Is. 30: 15)