International Servite Schools' Network

Legenda De Origine

THEIR PERFECT LOVE FOR GOD, SELF AND NEIGHBOR

35. God, in his special concern for our first fathers, had prepared them perfectly by the three steps indicated earlier[62]. Now that they were together, their immediate goal was to set their priorities in fulfilling the commandment of well ordered love[63].

The first object of all their affection was God himself. They loved him with their whole heart. They were one in their total attachment to him and desired nothing outside of him and nothing except for his sake. But they also loved him unfailingly with their whole soul.

They transformed every movement of their bodies and their awareness of the whole world of the senses into praise of God. And thus, his glory was behind their every sentiment. To him alone they gave the credit for all their good works.

And finally, they loved the Lord unceasingly with their whole mind. All the powers of their intellect or reason to research and discover were put at his service. He was the only one they wished to serve forever and consequently the only one they held in awe as their Lord[64].

36. On the other hand, their love for their own spirit had its proper place too. First of all, they helped the spirit in its battle against the flesh: they performed works of penance so that the flesh, which is constantly struggling against the spirit[65], would not win dominion. Furthermore, they practiced virtue as their spirit led them, trying to avoid excess of any kind. On whatever path the spirit wished to go[66], they trod eagerly, forcing the flesh to follow the spirit. And finally, like the Beloved Spouse, they submitted themselves to the spirit in the intimacy of their conscience[67], guarding the entrance to the chamber of their senses from foolish distractions. They wanted no worldly cares to enter and disturb the privacy of their contemplation.

They tried to treat their body too with a well-ordered love. So, they gave it just food enough to keep it from balking like a beast of burden under the load of penance to be carried. They whipped the body along in the direction the spirit wanted to go, keeping it always well-disciplined; and with discretion they burdened it with penance, not allowing that it should feel unfettered like a wild ass foal that runs wanton[68].

Last of all, there was the question of their works of charity towards neighbor. They actively searched out the needs of others; being men of compassion, they provided whatever they could for the spiritually or physically underprivileged. A neighbor was like a brother or sister to them, so they abided by the rule to do to others as they would want done to them and forgave any offenses committed against them. They were sensitive to the spiritual condition of others, rejoicing with the just and commiserating with sinners; they affirmed the just in their goodness and brought the sinners back from the precipice of their misery.

38. All of this indicates that their love for God, their own spirit, their neighbor and for themselves was in

correct order. Clinging to God in perfect love, they gave their all in doing good. In the face of injuries, they never flagged in patience and endured everything in a spirit of resignation. When an easy life lured them, they practiced strict continence, shunning the comforts of flesh and world. They never permitted themselves any laziness but were consumed in a fire of suffering that would not let their spirits grow lukewarm. Seeing ignorance all around them, they gave their goods generously to help others in time of need. While others may have been immersed in things of this world, they were careful and prudent, not seeking honors nor wanting to go back to what they used to own. Surrounded by inconstancy, they remained steadfast and persevering, convinced that separation from Christ´s love would be the worst thing that could happen to them.

Like a flourishing tree, they had strong roots sunk deep in humility, for it was love that guided their intentions. With David they could say such words as, "I love you, Lord, my strength"[69]. Stronger still was the trunk, their hope of eternal life, for it was love again that determined their actions. They could exclaim with Job, "Even if my maker should slay me, I will continue still to hope in him"[70]. But strongest of all was the foliage, reaching to the heights of charity, for it was love that made them rejoice in trials, happy to suffer for Christ, their supreme joy. Like the Apostles leaving the Sanhedrin[71], they went out rejoicing in mind and heart.

Again, they were like the prudent virgins[72] with their lamps already prepared in their hands. The vessel was polished in that they kept their heart pure and ready to receive the beloved guest; then, they filled it with oil, that is, with devout heart they joyfully awaited the coming of the Beloved; they lit the lamp with fire when, with eagerness and fervor they went out to meet Christ coming into their heart; and finally, they held up their lamp to shed light, the light which was their good example to others and their contemplation of divine truths. Christ was at the door knocking. With tear-filled eyes they opened and received him into their heart, conscious of the great grace he was giving them and rejoicing in the presence of so great a Spouse[73]. In a word, they were an example of holiness to everyone. This example kindled the fire of love in others and drew them to the love of Christ.