For the Love of God 

   “Prefer nothing to the love of God.” St. Benedict 

   St. Benedict, in his Rule for Monks, speaks often of the love of God and its place in the spiritual life.  Without it there is no meaning to life, only confusion and a chase after illusions that we will never find.

   The love of God is a two way street; it involves both His love for us and our love for Him.  No matter what we may do His love for us will never end, it is eternal.  He will continue to reach out to us hoping to bring us to the kingdom He has prepared for us.

   Our love for God is much less consistent.  We love Him for all the many blessings He has given us, but we often reject the cross and the pain that love sometimes requires if it is to grow and develop.  Our love is sometimes strong, but often it is wavering, lukewarm rather than flaming.   At its best our should burn brightly even through the worst of time.

   The relationship between God and His people is often compared to a marriage.  Throughout scripture this image is used to show how our bond with God is to be.  In a sacramental marriage love insists on the good of the other rather than self.  That kind of love knows no bounds, it requires no repayment.  Love never seeks a return, only the  pleasure of giving love as best can.  It is a total giving of oneself to another.

   This is the love that God has for us.  A love so strong that He would send His only Son to die for us; to give us redemption and forgiveness of our sins.  Our love for God can never reach that level of perfection in this lifetime, but we can strive to love God more and more each moment.  We can give ourselves to Him as Jesus gave Himself for us.