Salesian Literature

Chapter 2  :  The commandment of charity applies to this world, but leads to heaven

​

If the law is not meant for those who live innocent lives (1 Tim. 1:9), because they anticipate it and have no need of its summons, but do God’s will instinctively by reason of charity reigning in their souls – what must be the freedom of the saints in heaven, how exempt they must be from any form of command!  From their enjoyment of the supreme beauty and goodness of the beloved springs and flows the happy obligation to love the godhead eternally.

 

In heaven our love for God will not be a legal obligation, but a joyous attraction – held out to our hearts by one who lays perfect claim to our love.  The commandment will then cease to exert its influence, it will give place to contentment, which will the fruit, the consummation of its observance.

 

Thus we are destined for the promised contentment of eternal life by a commandment given us in this world, where it binds upon us strictly, for it is the basic law given by Christ the king to the members of the Church militant so that they may merit the citizenship and bliss of the Church triumphant.

 

God alone knows the bliss in store for us amid the ceaseless activity of those everlasting dwellings where we shall enjoy the repose – so long awaited – of unending love!

 

They are happy who dwell in your house,

for ever singing your praise (Ps. 83:5)

 

However, we are not to set our hearts upon such perfect love in this world; here we have neither heart, soul, mind, nor faculties to match those of the saints in heaven.  All we need to do is love with all the heart, all the strength we have.

​

Back to Top

​