Salesian Literature

Chapter 7  :  Light thrown on the previous chapter

​

We do not always have any clear idea, nor ever perfect certainty (at least not “the certitude of faith”[1]) that we possess the true love of God necessary for salvation.  For all that, we are not without several signs.

 

The surest of these, which is almost infallible shows itself when some great lover for created things resists the aims of God’s love.  At times like this, if charity dwells in a soul it exhibits the greatness of its influence and authority over the will, effectively demonstrating that it not only knows no master, but does not even admit of an equal; it represses or overthrows all opposition, and exacts obedience to its purpose.

 

When the saintly and gallant Joseph saw that his mistress’ love was tending to destroy the love he owed his master, he exclaimed: “God forbid that I should violate the respect I owe my master who trusts me so much!  How canst thou ask me to wrong him so grievously, and offend my God?” (Gen. 39:8,9).

 

Look closely; three loves may be discerned in Joseph’s heart – love for his lady, his master and God.  but when love for his lady contradicts his love for his master, he gives it up at once and runs away; just as he would have given up loving his master, if that had proved contrary to his love for God.  of all our loves, God’s is to be given such a place of honour that we are ever ready to give up all the others for love of him alone.

 

Charity means us to have other loves, and often we are unable to decide which is the heart’s chief love.  The human heart frequently shares its gratification with the love of creatures, so that its affection for created things is often much more active than its love for God.  Yet charity does not fail to exceed all other loves – as events prove, when the creature stands in the way of the Creator.  At such times we range ourselves on the side of charity; we submit to it all our other affections.

 

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

[1] Cf. Council of Trent, Session 6, On Justification, chapter 9.

​

Back to Top

​