Monday, May 10, 2010

Love Cannot Be Hidden


I am reading a little book called "Let Nothing Disturb You." It's a 30-day meditation book based on the works of Teresa of Avila.

Today's meditation is this:

My Day Begins:

The soul that truly loves God
loves all good,
protects all good,
praises all good,
joins itself to good people,
helps and defends them,
and embraces all the virtues.
It loves only what is truly worth loving.

Do you think that it is possible
for anyone who truly loves God,
to care for vanities, riches,
or worldly pleasures and honors?
Such a person cannot quarrel or feel envy,
for she aims at nothing
but pleasing the object of her love.
Whether your love of God is great or small,
it must show itself.
Love for God can never be concealed.

When you love God deeply,
it will be plainly evident in many ways,
for a large fire throws a bright and clear flame.

A love that is strong and just,
that grows for as long as we live,
that there is no reason ever to end,
a love that is returned so fully --
can a love such as this be concealed?

If you ask me how such a love is to be attained,
my answer is:
Resolve firmly to do and suffer for God,
putting your resolution into action
whenever the opportunity occurs.
Your love must not be just something you imagine,
something you desire.
You must prove it by works.



I think this is beautiful, and I would like to modify it a bit, either to include in the "Marriage Address" portion of a wedding ceremony, and/or to offer as a vow that might be included in personal vows.

Is it appropriate for a wedding ceremony? I would love your thoughts and comments.

Love,
Rev. Jeri

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