We've Left Apple's App Store (iOS)


Please Bookmark This Site, Link To Us & Tell Your Friends!

My Catholic Source.com (TM) Christ the King of All Nations My Catholic Source.com (TM) My Catholic Source.com (TM)

Click Here For Important Information Regarding This Site | Keep Us Online

My Catholic Source.com Home

Help

Join E-Mail List

Support This Site

Bookmark Site

Tell a Friend

Link to Us

FAQs

Feedback

By Using This Site, You Agree To All Terms (Including use of 'cookies')

Search

 

NOW AVAILABLE!

Lots of Love Coloring Book (Vol.1)

40 Love-Themed / Affirming Coloring Pages (Easy/Fairly Easy)

Click for more information & to purchase

"Includes a Variety of Coloring Pages Suitable for Children or Adults!" ~ "Great for Sharing!"

Get Your Copy Today!

Please Note: Proceeds from sales of this book may support MyCatholicSource.com

Scroll down to view page content...

 

Reflections: Catholic Life Section (Love/Charity)

The Holy Family

Return to Catholic Life Reflections | Catholic Life

Reflections: 

Catholic Life Section:

Love / Charity

Wisdom of the Popes, Saints, Theologians, Other...

Important Notice: We make no guarantees regarding any item herein. Use of site is subject to our terms of use. By using this site you indicate agreement to all terms. For more terms information, see below and click here.


Click link below or scroll down to view all...

Love / Charity

 

Category
Quotation

Love / Charity

Also See: Love / Charity (Topic Page)

"One of the scribes, when he came forward and heard them disputing and saw how well he had answered them, asked him, 'Which is the first of all the commandments?' Jesus replied, 'The first is this: 'Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." (Mk. 12:28-31)

"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Mt. 5:43-48)

"I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Jn. 13:34-35)

"If you love me, you will keep my commandments." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Jn. 14:15)

"Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Jn. 14:21)

"If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Jn. 15:10)

"This is my commandment: love one another as I love you." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Jn. 15:12)

"No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Jn. 15:13)

"Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, 'You shall not commit adultery; you shall not kill; you shall not steal; you shall not covet,' and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this saying, (namely) 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law." (St. Paul, Rom. 13:8-10)

"Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love. In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him. In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another. No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us." (1 Jn. 4:7-12)

"God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him." (1 Jn. 4:16)

"If anyone says, 'I love God', but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. This is the commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother." (1 Jn. 4:20-21)

"In this way we know that we love the children of God when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world. And the victory that conquers the world is our faith." (1 Jn. 5:2-4)

"For this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, as you heard from the beginning, in which you should walk." (2 Jn. 1:6)

"If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, (love) is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. If there are prophecies, they will be brought to nothing; if tongues, they will cease; if knowledge, it will be brought to nothing. For we know partially and we prophesy partially, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I used to talk as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I put aside childish things. At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. At present I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known. So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love." (1 Cor. 13:1-13)

"Heaven is the land of love..." (Gueranger)

"True charity means returning good for evil - always." (St. Mary Mazzarello)

"[L]ove is proved by deeds." (Pope St. Gregory the Great, Doctor of the Church)

"[N]othing incites another more to love you than that you love him first." (St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church)

"[L]ove is felt more keenly when we lack what we love." (St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church)

"[N]othing moves us to love more than knowing that we are loved." (Pontifical Council for the Family)

"[L]ove makes light and nothing of things that seem arduous and beyond our power" (St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church)

"The dignity of resembling the Almighty is common to all men; we should then love them all as ourselves, as living images of the Deity." (St. Francis de Sales, Doctor of the Church)

"[I]t is more proper to charity to wish to love than to wish to be loved." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

"And by the fact that anyone loves another, he wills good to that other." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

"[E]very moral sin is contrary to charity" (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

"[L]ove is felt more keenly in the absence of the object loved" (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

"Therefore charity is quite impossible without faith and hope." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

"[C]harity is destroyed by every moral sin." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

"[C]harity is reckoned the foremost of the virtues" (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

"[T]o love a person is to wish that person good." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

"[C]hief among the effects of charity is the work of almsgiving" (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

"Though charity is love, yet love is not always charity." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

"For what use is it when you give as much of your wealth as someone might give a spoonful of water from the ocean, and you don't imitate the widow's generosity of spirit?" (St. John Chrysostom, Doctor of the Church)

"The spirit of Christian charity lives not within you, if you lament the body from which the soul has departed, but lament not the soul from which God has departed." (St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church)

"[A] mother, whose love is the greatest, seeks rather to love than to be loved" (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

Error CONDEMNED by Pope Innocent XI: "We are not bound to love our neighbor by an internal and formal act" (This proposition was condemned by Pope Innocent XI, 1679 A.D.)

Error CONDEMNED by Pope Innocent XI: "We can satisfy the precept of loving neighbor by external acts only." (This proposition was condemned by Pope Innocent XI, 1679 A.D.)

"Charity is said to be the end of other virtues, because it directs all other virtues to its own end." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

"If you should suffer some disadvantage in helping a needy neighbor, reflect how much you will differ from your Lord, who gave his life and blood to help you." (St. Robert Bellarmine, Doctor of the Church)

"But who loves man is as who loves God; for man is God's image, wherein God is loved, as a King is honored in his statue. For this cause this commandment is said to be like the first (Mt. 22:39)." [Pseudo Chrys (as quoted by St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church)]

"What is the mark of love for your neighbor? Not to seek what is for your own benefit, but what is for the benefit of the one loved, both in body and in soul." (St. Basil the Great, Doctor of the Church)

"Though we do not have our Lord with us in bodily presence, we have our neighbor; who, for the ends of love and loving service, is as good as our Lord Himself." (St. Teresa of Avila, Doctor of the Church)

"Christ made love the stairway that would enable all Christians to climb to heaven. Hold fast to it, therefore, in all sincerity, give one another practical proof of it, and by your progress, make your ascent together." (St. Fulgence of Ruspe, c. 6th Century A.D.)

"All God wants is our heart. God is more pleased when we value our uselessness and weakness out of love and reverence for the Lord's will than when we do some violence to ourselves and perform great works of penance." (St. Jane Frances de Chantal)

"A man's love for his friends is sometimes less meritorious in so far as he loves them for their sake, so as to fall short of the true reason for the friendship of charity, which is God." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

"Have a great love for those who contradict and fail to love you, for in this way love is begotten in a heart that has no love. God so acts with us, for he loves us that we might love by means of the very love he bears toward us." (St. John of the Cross, Doctor of the Church)

"It is possible, accordingly, to judge how perfect is one's love for one's neighbor by considering what a man gives up for the love of his neighbor." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

"Those works which we perform in regard to the need of our neighbors, cannot be everlasting, any more than their need; but if we do not do them from love, there is no righteousness; if we do them from love, that love is everlasting, and an everlasting reward is in store for it." (St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church)

"Passing over the miracles, which they were to perform, He makes love the distinguishing mark of His followers; 'By this shall all men know that you are My disciples' if you have love for one another' (Jn. 13:35). This it is that evidences the saint or the disciple, as He calls him." (St. John Chrysostom, Doctor of the Church)

"The reason why we love our neighbor is God, since that which we love in our neighbor through charity is God alone. Wherefore the charity with which we love God is the same as that with which we love our neighbor." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

"Perfect love is that by which we are ordered to love the Lord with our whole heart, our whole soul and our whole strength, and our neighbor as ourselves. Neither of these [kinds of] love is capable of being perfect without the other, because God cannot be loved apart from our neighbor, nor our neighbor apart from God." (St. Bede the Venerable, Doctor of the Church)

"But if even yourself you ought not to love for your own sake, but because of Him in whom is the rightful end of your love, let not another man be displeased that you love even him for God's sake. Whoever then rightly loves his neighbor, ought to endeavor with him that he also with his whole heart love God." (St. Isidore of Seville, Doctor of the Church)

"Love is a sweet word, but sweeter the deed. To be always speaking of it, is not in our power: for we have many things to do, and divers businesses draw us different ways, so that our tongue has not leisure to be always speaking of love: as indeed our tongue could have nothing better to do. But though we may not always be speaking of it, we may always keep it." (St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church)

"Should it happen that, in a fit of passion, you have insulted a neighbor, charity requires that you use every means to allay his wounded feelings, and to remove from his heart all sentiments of rancor towards you. The best means for making reparation for the violation of charity, is to humble yourself to the person whom you have offended." (St. Alphonsus Liguori, Doctor of the Church)

"It is certainly most lamentable, Venerable Brethren, that there have been, nay, that even now there are men who, although professing to be Catholics, are almost completely unmindful of that sublime law of justice and charity that binds us not only to render to everyone what is his but to succor brothers in need as Christ the Lord Himself" (Pope Pius XI, "Quadragesimo Anno", 1931)

"The waters of the most bitter afflictions cannot quench the fire of his charity toward us, so ardent is it. Even the persecutions of his enemies were not powerful enough to vanquish the incomparable solidity and constancy of the love with which he loved us. Such ought to be our love for the neighbor: firm, ardent, solid, and persevering." (St. Francis de Sales, Doctor of the Church)

"[T]he love of one's friends is not meritorious in God's sight when we love them merely because they are our friends: and this would seem to be the case when we love our friends in such a way that we love not our enemies. On the other hand the love of our friends is meritorious, if we love them for God's sake, and not merely because they are our friends." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

"Humility and charity are the master chords that all other virtues depend upon. The one is the lowest, the other the highest. The preservation of the entire edifice depends on the foundation and the roof. If the heart keeps itself directed in the exercise of these, no difficulty will be encountered in the others. These are the mothers of virtue, the others follow them as the chicks do their mother." [St. Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio)]

"While at prayer, I begged our Lord to make known to me by what means I could satisfy the desire that I had to love him. He gave me to understand, that one cannot better show one's love for him than by loving one's neighbor for love of him; and that I must work for the salvation of others, forgetting my own interest in order to espouse those of my neighbor, both in my prayers and in all the good I might be able to do by the mercy of God." (St. Margaret Mary Alacoque)

"[C]harity does not actually increase through every act of charity, but each act of charity disposes to an increase of charity, in so far as one act of charity makes man more ready to act again according to charity, and this readiness increasing, man breaks out into an act of more fervent love, and strives to advance in charity, and then his charity increases actually." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

"Be sure, too, to show to your neighbor the same love which God has shown towards you. If you are harsh to others, you will find God harsh to you... He will pardon you many crimes for the one offense you forgive your neighbor; he will be long-suffering with you in return for a little prudence shown towards others; he will reward you with abundant riches for the small alms you bestow. Strive earnestly, therefore, to keep the law of charity, for that is your life." (St. John of Avila) 

"From one and the same love, we love God and our neighbor, but God for His own sake, our neighbor for God's. So that, there being two precepts of love, on which hang all the Law and the Prophets, to love God, and to love our neighbor, Scripture often unites them into one precept. For if a man love God, it follows that he does what God commands, and if so, that he loves his neighbor, God having commanded this. Wherefore He proceeds: You are My friends, if you do whatsoever I command you." (St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church)

"One's obligation to love a person is proportionate to the gravity of the sin one commits in acting against that love. Now it is a more grievous sin to act against the love of certain neighbors, than against the love of others. Hence the commandment (Lev. 10:9), 'He that curseth his father or mother, dying let him die,' which does not apply to those who cursed others than the above. Therefore we ought to love some neighbors more than others." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

"But when all our Lord's sacred discourses are full of His commandments, why does He give this special commandment respecting love, if it is not that every commandment teaches love, and all precepts are one? Love and love only is the fulfillment of every thing that is enjoined. As all the boughs of a tree proceed from one root, so all the virtues are produced form one love: nor has the branch, i.e. the good work, any life, except it abide in the root of love." (St. Gregory of Nazianzus, Doctor of the Church)

"True charity consists in bearing with all the defects of our neighbor, in not being surprised at his failings, and in being edified by his least virtues; Charity must not remain shut up in the depths of the heart, for no man lighteth a candle and putteth it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house' (Mt. 5:15). It seems to me that this candle represents the Charity which ought to enlighten and make joyful, not only those who are dearest to me, but all who are in the house." (St. Therese of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church)

"Where then love is, what can be wanting? Where it is not, what can profit? But this love is distinguished from men's love to each other as men, by adding, 'As I have loved you' (Jn. 15:12). To what end did Christ love us, but that we should reign with Him? Let us therefore so love one another, as that our love be different from that of other men; who do not love one another, to the end that God may be loved, because they do not really love at all. They who love one another for the sake of having God within them, they truly love one another." (St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church)

"But since the Divine substance is more excellent and higher than our nature, the command to love God is distinct from that to love our neighbor. But if by yourself, you understand your whole self, that is both your soul and your body, and in like manner of your neighbor, there is no sort of things to be loved omitted in these commands. The love of God goes first, and the rule thereof is so set out to us as to make all other loves center in that, so that nothing seems said of loving yourself. But then follows, You shall love your neighbor as yourself, so that love of yourself is not omitted." (St. Isidore of Seville, Doctor of the Church)

"The highest, the only proof of love, is to love our adversary; as did the Truth Himself, who while He suffered on the cross, showed His love for His persecutors: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do (Lk. 23:34). Of which love the consummation is given in the next words 'Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.' Our Lord came to die for His enemies, but He says that He is going to lay down His life for His friends, to show us that by loving, we are able to gain over our enemies, so that they who persecute us are by anticipation our friends." (St. Gregory of Nazianzus, Doctor of the Church)

"Since there are two commandments, the love of God and the love of our neighbor, on which hang the Law and the Prophets, not without reason does Scripture put one for both; sometimes the love of God; as in that, We know that all things work together for good to them that love God; and sometimes the love of our neighbor; as in that, All the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself'. And that because if a man love his neighbor, it follows therefrom that he loves God also; for it is the selfsame affection by which we love God, and by which we love our neighbor, save that we love God for Himself, but ourselves and our neighbor for God's sake." (St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church)

"Catholic doctrine tells us that the primary duty of charity does not lie in the toleration of false ideas, however sincere they may be; nor in theoretical or practical indifference toward the errors and vices in which we see our brethren plunged, but in the zeal for their intellectual and moral improvement as well as for their material well-being. Catholic doctrine further tells us that love for our neighbor flows from our love for God, Who is Father to all, and the goal of the human family; and in Jesus Christ whose members we are, to the point that in doing good to others we are doing good to Jesus Christ Himself. Any other kind of love is sheer illusion, sterile and fleeting." (Pope St. Pius X, "Notre Charge Apostolique", 1910)

"Yet observe how, almost to the same extent of obedience he requires the performance of each command. For of God he says, with all your heart ['You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.' (Lk. 10:27)]. Of our neighbor, as yourself: Which if it were diligently kept, there would be neither slave nor free man, neither conqueror nor conquered, (or rasher, neither prince nor subject,) rich nor poor, nor would the devil be even known, for the chaff would rather stand the touch of fire than the devil the fervor of love; so surpassing all things is the constancy of love." (St. John Chrysostom, Doctor of the Church)

"Saint John of Avila observes: some people are so clouded in their minds that 'they believe that if their heart moves them to do anything, they must do it, even if it is against the commandments of God. They say that they love Him so much that if they break his commandments they do not lose his love. In this way they forget that the Son of God preached the contrary from his own lips: whoever welcomes my commandments and observes them, this man loves me (John 14:21); if anyone loves me he will keep my commandments (John 14:23). And anyone who does not love me does not keep my words (cf. Jn. 14:24). Thus he makes us understand clearly that whoever does not keep his words has neither his friendship nor his love. As Saint Augustine says: 'no-one can love the king if he abhors his commandments.'" (Pontifical Council for the Family)

"And now He teaches them how to fit themselves to follow Him: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. But does not the old law say, you shall love your neighbor as yourself (Lev. 19:18)? Why then does He call it a new commandment? Is it because it strips us of the old man, and puts on us the new? That it renews the hearer, or rather the doer of it? Love does do this; but it is that love which our Lord distinguishes from the carnal affection: 'As I have loved you', that you also love one another. Not the love with which men love one another, but that of the children of the Most High God, who would be brethren of His only-begotten Son, and therefore love one another with that love with which He loved them, and would lead them to the fulfillment of their desires." (St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church)

"['I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.' (Jn. 13:34)] But do not think that that greater commandment, viz. that we should love the Lord our God, is passed by. For, if we understand the two precepts aright, each is implied in the other. He who loves God cannot despise His commandment that he should love his neighbor; and he who loves his neighbor in a heavenly spiritual way, in the neighbor loves God. That is the love which our Lord distinguishes from all human love, when He adds, 'As I have loved you', what did He, in loving us, love, but God in us; not who was in us, but so that He might be? Wherefore let each of us so love the other, as that by this working of love, we make each other the habitations of God." (St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church)

"[W]hen the Lord adds, 'This is the first and greatest commandment [You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind (Mt. 22:37)]', we learn how we ought to think of the commandments, that there is a great one, and that there are less down to the least. And the Lord says not only that it is a great, but that it is the first commandment, not in order of Scripture, but in supremacy of value. They only take upon them the greatness and supremacy of this precept, who not only love the Lord their God, but add these three conditions. Nor did He only teach the first and great commandment, but added that there was a second like to the first, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself'. But if whoever loves iniquity has hated his own soul, it is manifest that he does not love his neighbor as himself, when he does not love himself." [Origen ("the greatest scholar of Christian antiquity" - although he would eventually be excommunicated and be regarded as a heretic), 3rd century A.D.]

"Who doubts that love precedes the observance of the commandments? For who loves not, has not that whereby to keep the commandments. These words then do not declare whence love arises, but how it is shown, that no one might deceive himself into thinking that he loved our Lord, when he did not keep His commandments. Though the words, Continue you in My love (Jn. 15:9), do not of themselves make it evident which love He means, ours to Him, or His to us, yet the preceding words do: I love you, He says: and then immediately after, Continue you in My love. Continue you in My love, then, is, continue in My grace; and, If you keep My commandments, you shall abide in My love, is, your keeping of My commandments will be evidence to you that you abide in My love. It is not that we keep His commandments first, and that then He loves; but that He loves us, and then we keep His commandments. This is that grace, which is revealed to the humble, but hidden from the proud." (St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church)

"And so, when the Lord says, 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, from all thy heart and from all thy mind: and thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself,' let the faithful soul put on the unfading love of its Author and Ruler, and subject itself also entirely to His will in Whose works and judgments true justice and tender-hearted compassion never fail. For although a man be wearied out with labors and many misfortunes, there is good reason for him to endure all in the knowledge that adversity will either prove him good or make him better. But this godly love cannot be perfect unless a man love his neighbor also. Under which name must be included not only those who are connected with us by friendship or neighborhood, but absolutely all men, with whom we have a common nature, whether they be foes or allies, slaves or free. For the One Maker fashioned us, the One Creator breathed life into us; we all enjoy the same sky and air, the same days and nights, and, though some be good, others bad, some righteous, others unrighteous, yet God is bountiful to all, kind to all, as Paul and Barnabas said to the Lycaonians concerning God's Providence" (Pope St. Leo the Great, Doctor of the Church)

"[T]he reason why we ought to love others out of charity is because they are nigh to us, both as to the natural image of God, and as to the capacity for glory... The mode of love is indicated in the words 'as thyself'. This does not mean that a man must love his neighbor equally as himself, but in like manner as himself, and this in three ways. First, as regards the end, namely, that he should love his neighbor for God's sake, even as he loves himself for God's sake, so that his love for his neighbor is a holy love. Secondly, as regards the rule of love, namely, that a man should not give way to his neighbor in evil, but only in good things, even as he ought to gratify his will in good things alone, so that his love for his neighbor may be a righteous love. Thirdly, as regards the reason for loving, namely, that a man should love his neighbor, not for his own profit, or pleasure, but in the sense of wishing his neighbor well, even as he wishes himself well, so that his love for his neighbor may be a true love: since when a man loves his neighbor for his own profit or pleasure, he does not love his neighbor truly, but loves himself." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

"But if any one ask how the love of God is to be obtained, we are sure that the love of God cannot be taught. For neither did we learn to rejoice in the presence of light, or to embrace life, or to love our parents and children; much less were we taught the love of God, but a certain seminal principle was implanted in us, which has within itself the cause, that man clings to God; which principle the teaching of the divine commands is wont to cultivate diligently, to foster watchfully, and to carry on to the perfection of divine grace. For naturally we love good; we love also what is our own, and akin to us; we likewise of our own accord pour forth all our affections on our benefactors. If then God is good, but all things desire that good, which is wrought voluntarily, He is by nature inherent in us, and although from His goodness we are far from knowing Him, yet from the very fact that we proceeded forth from Him, we are bound to love Him with exceeding, love, as in truth akin to us; He is likewise also a greater benefactor than all whom by nature we love here. And again, the love of God then is the first and chief command, but the second, as filling up the first and filled up by it, bids us to love our neighbor. Hence it follows, 'And [love] your neighbor as yourself'. But we have an instinct given us by God to perform this command, as who does not know that man is a kind and social animal? For nothing belongs so much to our nature as to communicate with one another, and mutually to need and love our relations. Of those things then of which in the first place He gave us the seed, He afterwards requires the fruits." (St. Basil the Great, Doctor of the Church)

"When therefore it is asked which is better or more meritorious, to love one's friend or one's enemy, these two loves may be compared in two ways, first, on the part of our neighbor whom we love, secondly, on the part of the reason for which we love him. In the first way, love of one's friend surpasses love of one's enemy, because a friend is both better and more closely united to us, so that he is a more suitable matter of love and consequently the act of love that passes over this matter, is better, and therefore its opposite is worse, for it is worse to hate a friend than an enemy. In the second way, however, it is better to love one's enemy than one's friend, and this for two reasons. First, because it is possible to love one's friend for another reason than God, whereas God is the only reason for loving one's enemy. Secondly, because if we suppose that both are loved for God, our love for God is proved to be all the stronger through carrying a man's affections to things which are furthest from him, namely, to the love of his enemies, even as the power of a furnace is proved to be the stronger, according as it throws its heat to more distant objects. Hence our love for God is proved to be so much the stronger, as the more difficult are the things we accomplish for its sake, just as the power of fire is so much the stronger, as it is able to set fire to a less inflammable matter. Yet just as the same fire acts with greater force on what is near than on what is distant, so too, charity loves with greater fervor those who are united to us than those who are far removed; and in this respect the love of friends, considered in itself, is more ardent and better than the love of one's enemy." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

Also See: Our Neighbor / Care & Treatment of Our Neighbor | Marriage | Friends / Friendship | Family / Families | Almsgiving | God's Love (Our Father's Love Reflections) | Love of God (Our Father's Love Reflections) | Love of God / Love of Neighbor (Our Father's Love Reflections) | Our Father's Love (Reflections) | Our Father's Love Section | Love / Love of God (Topical Scripture)

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Top | Reflectns.: A-Z | Catg. | Scripture: A-Z | Catg. | Help


Important Notice: Items herein are not comprehensive. Items herein are categorized subjectively and may overlap. We make no guarantees concerning any item herein. We may change punctuation, capitalization, shorten items, etc. and we caution that items herein may be out of context. We recommend reading items in full context in appropriate Catholic materials. Users are reminded that even saints and popes (when not speaking ex cathedra) are not infallible. Inclusion of any item does not necessarily imply our endorsement or agreement.  Consult appropriate, competent Church authorities for assistance in interpreting / applying items herein. Interpretation and application of items herein should not be contrary to the perennial, official teaching of the Roman Catholic Church. Do not take items out of context. Do not inflict harm on yourself or others, break laws, take unsuitable / incautious or inappropriate / drastic actions, or take figurative items literally. We are not responsible for any interpretation / misinterpretation, application / misapplication, use / misuse, etc. of any item. Use of site is at your own risk and is subject to our terms of use. Click here for more important terms/information


We make no guarantees regarding any item herein. By using this site you agree to all terms. For terms information, see "Important Notice" above and click here.

Help | Terms of UseOther FAQs

 

 

Also See...

* Love / Charity (Topic Page)

* Catholic Information (Topic Page)

* Catholic Q & A (Topic Page)

* Spiritual Growth (Topic Page)

* Inspirational Quotes (Topic Page)

* Saints (Topic Page)

 

Social Media Sharing

Click the button below to display this page's URL and copy it into your clipboard for sharing...

Click Here For More Information

Troubleshooting

Catholic Community Center 

Completely Free!

Announcements

Answered Prayers

Catholic Basics

Catholic Book Review & Exchange

Catholic Events

Catholic Fun & Activities

Catholic Life

Catholic Links

Catholic News Links / Current Issues

Catholic Seniors

Church Talk

Coming Home

Feed Your Faith

Give & Take

Good News

Increase Holiness

Latin Mass & Catholic Tradition

Mary Our Mother

Non-Catholics

Notable Catholic Laity

Our Father's Love

Personal Stories of Inspiration

Prayer Requests

Prayers & Devotions

Priests & Vocations

Rosary

Sacraments

Saints

Scripture/Parables

Scripture Exchange

St. Francis Page for Pets

Vatican View

Volunteers' Corner

Why I Love Being Catholic

Support Your Community Center

'Pin it'

Notice: Clicking link(s) above

leaves this site

More Information

Problem With Link?

Click to Support Quality Catholic Content - FREE!

Click for Vatican Gifts Starting Under $5.00

Our Pledge To Donors

What Your Donation Might Do

About Us

MCS Directory

(click here)

"Your Source For All Things Catholic!"

Click for Listings from 'Advertising' to 'Wholesalers'

List Your Catholic Product or Catholic Service FREE! Other listings just $24.95/yr.!+

List Your Business+

Sales & Specials

(click here)

'Click to Save on Catholic & Non-Catholic Products and Services'

Place Your Ad+

Classifieds

(click here)

Place Your Ad Today For Just $9.95!+

Announcements

Catholic Buddies

Catholic Organizations / Groups

Catholic Products

Catholic Services

Employment / Occupational

For Sale

Professional Services / Trades

Miscellaneous

Other Products

Other Services

Wanted

More...

 

 

Topic Pages

Click Here

   

Catholic Books & Ebooks

Click Here

   

Catholic Apps

Click Here

 

Reflections (Wisdom From Popes & Saints)

Click Here

 

Help

Click Here

 

'Quick Help' Pages

Click Here

 

Need Help?

'Live Chat'

Click Here

Click Here For Catholic Opinion Polls ~ Cast Your Vote Today!

Home

MCS Daily Digest

Quick Guide to This Site

What's New

Reception Desk

Notices

Topic Pages

'Quick Help' Pages

Books / Ebooks | Apps

Reflections

Help | 'Live Chat'

Coming Soon

Featured Sections

URL Shortcuts

Calendar

Goals / Purpose

This site is really free?

How can I add a "post" here?

Mission Statement

Privacy Statement

Imprimatur Information

Terms of Use

by using this site, you agree to all terms

MCS Directory

Community Center

Commercial Areas

Non-Catholics

About Us

FAQs

Tell a Friend

Invite a Business

Link to Us

My Catholic Source.com Blog & RSS Feed Info.

Third Party Programs

Awards

Feedback

Contact Us

This site powered by bfsnet.com

Powered by bfsnet.com

Now Available!

Catholic Word Search - JUMBO Edition

Click for more information & to purchase

(Original)

Click for more information & to purchase

(Large Print Edition)

100+ Catholic Word Searches (Incl. Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Jesus, B.V.M., Angels, Saints, Sacraments, Grace, Rosary, Fatima, And More...)

"Relaxing, educational, good for your memory, mind, focus, vocabulary, and good for your soul!"

Get Your Copy Today!

Also Available...

Catholic Word Search - Bilingual Edition: Latin / English

Search Words In Latin, Meanings In English

Click for more information & to purchase

55 Catholic Word Searches ~ "Tradition-Minded, Relaxing & Educational!"

Topics Include: Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Jesus, B.V.M., Angels, Saints, Sacraments, Rosary & More...

"Perfect For Catholic Teens & Adults!" ~ "Great For Home Schoolers!"

Get Your Copy Today!

Why Latin? / Latin Info.

Click link or image above for more information & to purchase.

And...

Catholic Word Search - Bilingual Edition: French / English

Search Words In French, Meanings In English

Click for more information & to purchase

Absolutely NO Knowledge Of French Is Required!

50+ Catholic Word Searches ~ "Tradition-Minded, Relaxing & Educational!"

Topics Include: Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Jesus, B.V.M., Angels, Saints, Sacraments, Rosary & More...

"Perfect For Catholic Teens & Adults!" ~ "Great For Home Schoolers!"

Fun for any time! Also great for...

* Planning a Catholic pilgrimage to France

* Learning some (or brushing up on some) French words

* Increasing your French vocabulary

* Adding fun to a homeschool curriculum

* Enjoying a unique challenge, even if you don't speak a word of French!

Free Sample Here

Get Your Copy Today!

Why Learn French?

Click link or image above for more information & to purchase.


Now Available!

4 Great Inspirational Catholic Coloring Books...

Now Available! (Click for more information & to purchase)

Now Available! (Click for more information & to purchase)

Now Available! (Click for more information & to purchase)

Now Available! (Click for more information & to purchase)

Plus These Handy Coloring Books & Resources...

Now Available! (Click for more information & to purchase)

Lots of Love Coloring Book (Vol.1) - 40 Love-Themed / Affirming Coloring Pages (Easy/Fairly Easy) - "Includes a Variety of Coloring Pages Suitable for Children or Adults!" ~ "Great for Sharing!"

Now Available! (Click for more information & to purchase)

My Colors - Easy & Convenient Color Sample Sheets ~ Coloring Resources Book: 125+ Assorted Color Sample Sheets - "Perfect For Testing, Selecting & Organizing Pen, Marker, Pencil or Crayon Colors!"

Now Available! (Click for more information & to purchase)

My Colors 2 - Easy & Flexible Color Combination Grids ~ Coloring Resources Book: 50+ Color Sample Sheets In 3 Grid Sizes - "Perfect For Previewing, Testing & Selecting Pen, Marker, Pencil Or Crayon Color Combinations!"

[Please Note: Proceeds from sales of these books may support My Catholic Source.com]

For More Information & To Purchase, Click Image(s) Above

Click Here For Coloring Examples


Now Available!

700+ Consoling Thoughts From Holy Scripture

"Inspirational & Uplifting!"

Click for more information & to purchase

"Some of the most consoling & comforting words from Holy Scripture, all in one place!"

+ + +

Compiled From Traditional Catholic Scripture (Douay-Rheims Translation)

Get it today!

+ + +

For More Information & To Purchase, Click Link Below...

Kindle Version Just $7.99

Notice: Prices are subject to change without notice and do not include any applicable taxes.


Now Available!

The iStations Book - Stations of the Cross

Click for more information & to purchase

Two Traditional Way of the Cross Methods for Catholics Based on Our 'Best Selling' App

Features beautiful images, TWO traditional methods, including a Franciscan method, selected prayers in English & Latin

Get it today!

For More Information & To Purchase, Click Link Below...

Kindle Version Just $4.99

Notice: Prices are subject to change without notice and do not include any applicable taxes.


Now Available!

Catholic Annual Prayer Book

Click for more information & to purchase

Includes: 365+ Daily Prayers (Jan.-Dec.); Holiday / Seasonal Prayers; Hundreds of Prayers Indexed by Title; Nearly 200 Aspirations / Short Prayers; Over 100 Latin Prayers & Aspirations; 500+ Topics for Meditation; Hundreds of Prayer Tips & Insights; And More...

Includes prayers drawn from Holy Scripture, the liturgy, writings of popes & saints, the Raccolta, the Roman Breviary, the Roman Missal, etc.

A daily prayer companion for Catholics that is 'suitable for any year'!

Kindle Version Just $8.99

Notice: Prices are subject to change without notice and do not include any applicable taxes.

Click Here to Buy


Now Available!

Coloring Book For Catholics: 50+ Latin Prayers

(Beginning - Intermediate - Advanced)

Click for more information & to purchase

"This 'unique', tradition-minded coloring book which contains some of the most popular Catholic prayers in Latin is a fun way to become more familiar with Latin prayers & increase Latin language retention!"

This 'educational & fun' publication is useful for prayerful relaxation, educational recreation ('learn while you play'), becoming more familiar with Latin prayers & hundreds of Latin words, learning or memorizing Latin prayers, increasing Latin retention, and more...

An enjoyable and instructive tool with respect to Latin (the 'beautiful & majestic language of heaven' and 'official language of the Church' - a language 'consecrated' by the inscription on the Cross that helps to foster a universal bond in prayer with Catholics around the world), this publication is suitable for Catholics of most any age.

+ + +

"This Catholic coloring book - which provides hours of wholesome & educational recreation - is so much better for your soul than television!"

+ + +

Notice: Prices are subject to change without notice and do not include any applicable taxes.

Click Here to Buy


Now Available!

My Little Latin Mass Coloring Book

Click for more information & to purchase

25+ Traditional Latin Mass Coloring Images For Children Or Adults [Low Mass]

"Enjoyable & Educational!"

+ + +

Notice: Prices are subject to change without notice and do not include any applicable taxes.

Click Here to Buy


Catholic Classics Reprint Now Available!

In Heaven We Know Our Own - Or, Solace for the Suffering

Now Available! (Click for more information & to purchase)

This 'Catholic Classic', which offers consoling 'proof' that the faithful departed remember, love & care for those in heaven and for those still remaining on earth, is a "great balm of comfort" to those who have lost a spouse, child, parent, friend, or other loved one. "A thoughtful bereavement gift, and a 'must-have' for grieving Catholics!"

Get your copy today!

For More Information & To Purchase, Click Link Below...

Kindle Version Just $2.99!

Notice: Prices are subject to change without notice and do not include any applicable taxes.


Now Available!

Setting The Record Straight About Luther

Important Things Catholics Should Know About The 'Reformer'

Click for more information & to purchase

Don't miss this 'eye-opening' treatise concerning Martin Luther, the catalyst / leader of the ' Reformation ' (a.k.a. Protestant Rebellion)

Includes: Facts which demonstrate that Luther was NOT sent by God, Luther received approval of his teaching from Satan, Luther's misbehavior, some results of Luther's teachings, Luther admits he could be wrong, and more...

Get your copy today!

For More Information & To Purchase, Click Link Below...

Kindle Version Just $5.99

Notice: Prices are subject to change without notice and do not include any applicable taxes.


Now Available!

BIG Book of Latin Activities For Catholics

Beginning - Intermediate (Vol. 1)

Click for more information & to purchase

"Suitable For Children Or Adults!" ~ "Perfect For Home Schoolers!"

+ + +

As many faithful Catholics already know, the majestic Latin language – the 'official language' of the Catholic Church – promotes unity, helps safeguard the purity of doctrine, connects us with our Catholic ancestors, allows us to pray in "one voice", and even ties back to the inscription on the Cross which was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. The Latin language is still used today in the precious treasure that is the Traditional Latin ('Tridentine') Mass, in 'everyday speech' (much of English is derived from Latin), in mottos, in specialized fields, and in educational endeavors. It has been shown that the study of Latin brings many benefits. "And, Latin is truly the language of heaven!"

If you enjoy Latin, you may be glad to know that this full-sized (8.5" x 11"), tradition-minded publication features an assortment of activity types related to Latin (including: word searches, crosswords, coloring activities, challenges, fill-ins, spelling bee, quizzes, unscrambles, true/false, multiple choice, matching, cross-offs, circling, word associations, translation exercises, and more...), and treats of various topics (including: common Latin words, Latin language facts, Latin grammar, nouns & verbs, abbreviations, phrases / sayings / mottos, prefixes, cardinal numbers, grammatical gender, inflection, word roots, diacritics / accenting, pronunciation, Latin prayers / hymns, Scripture verses, Catholic phrases, and more...).

+ + +

" Fun & Educational! "

Get Your Copy Today!

Click Here For More Information & To Purchase


Try Here For Great Catholic Apps!

My Crucifix (Click For More Information)

My Crucifix

For the iPad®, iPhone®,

and iPod touch®...

My Crucifix - Available on the App Store (click to download)

For the iPad®...

My Crucifix for iPad - Available on the App Store (click to download)

Catholic Bible References (Click For More Information)

Catholic Bible References - Available on the App Store (click to download)

Catholic Bible References for Android - Available on Google Play (click to download)

Catholic Bible References for Android - Available at Amazon Appstore for Android (click to download)

iStations / Stations of the Cross (Click For More Information)

iStations - Available on the App Store (click to download)

iStations for Android - Available on Google Play (click to download)

iStations for Android - Available at Amazon Appstore for Android (click to download)

Saints4U (Click For More Information)

Saints4U - Available on the App Store (click to download)

Saints4U for Android - Available on Google Play (click to download)

Saints4U for Android - Available at Amazon Appstore for Android (click to download)

And Other Great Apps...

Simple Note: Do Today (Click For More Information)

Simple Note: Do Today - Available on the App Store (click to download)

Speedy Dial! (Click For More Information)

Speedy Dial! - Available on the App Store (click to download)

Speedy Dial! for Android - Available on Google Play (click to download)

Speedy Dial! for Android - Available at Amazon Appstore for Android (click to download)

Just Checkin' In (Click For More Information)

Just Checkin' In - Available on the App Store (click to download)

Just Checkin' In for Android - Available on Google Play (click to download)

Just Checkin' In for Android - Available at Amazon Appstore for Android (click to download)


Click Here for MyCatholicSource.com Media (Books, Ebooks)

More My Catholic Source.com Media: Books & Ebooks

 

  



Click to shop at Amazon.com in support of MyCatholicSource.com

Click to shop at Amazon.com in support of MyCatholicSource.com [Click this image for Amazon Search - 'Catholic statues'] Click to shop at Amazon.com in support of MyCatholicSource.com [Click this image for Amazon Search - 'Catholic jewelry medals'] Click to shop at Amazon.com in support of MyCatholicSource.com [Click this image for Amazon Search - 'Crucifix'] Click to shop at Amazon.com in support of MyCatholicSource.com [Click this image for Amazon Search - 'Rosary beads'] Click to shop at Amazon.com in support of MyCatholicSource.com [Click this image for Amazon Search - 'Catholic artwork'] Click to shop at Amazon.com in support of MyCatholicSource.com

Notice: Clicking image/links above leaves this site. We do not recommend any website/product/service/seller/etc.

Reminder: Available items may differ from those pictured above.

More Information | Problem With Link?


My Crucifix / My Crucifix for iPad® (Click For More Information)       iStations / Stations of the Cross (Click For More Information)       Catholic Bible References (Click For More Information)       Saints4U (Click For More Information)       Speedy Dial! (Click For More Information)       Just Checkin' In (Click For More Information)

Try Here For Great Catholic Apps!

Click For Android Versions


Click Here for MyCatholicSource.com Media (Books, Ebooks)


Please bookmark this site and visit often! 

| Home | Help | Quick Guide | Reception Desk | About Us | Terms of Use | Our MissionWhat's New |

| FAQs | Notices | MCS Calendar | MCS Daily Digest | Topic Pages | 'Quick Help' Pages |

| Featured Sections | Site Update | Check System Date/Time | URL Shortcuts | Question? |

| Code of Conduct | Privacy Statement | Section Information | Your Posts | Timetables |

| Where to Post | Where to Find Posts | Submission Tips | Contribution Maximums |

| Support This Site | Tell a Friend | Link to Us | Bookmark This Site | Guest Book

| Did You Know? | Site Benefits | Awards | Acknowledgements | Commercial Sections |

| MyCatholicSource.com Blog & RSS Feed Info. | Third Party Programs |

 | Search Site | Join Mailing List | Technical Assistance | Report Technical Problem |

| Post/User Problems | Contact Us | Feedback | Copyright Notice / Permissions |

| Make MyCatholicSource.com Your Default Home Page |

Thank you for being part of over 10,000,000 visitors to MyCatholicSource.com since 2009!  *

Click Here To Help Keep Us Online


Experiencing technical problems with this site? Please click "Report Technical Problem" link above

* Number of visits is based on raw, unfiltered access logs

+All ads subject to our terms. Price indicated may be base price for non-refundable processing fee, excluding tax, optional ad enhancements, etc. "Place your ad" / "list your business" / "list your Catholic product or service free" / etc. is not a guarantee that any ad will appear on this site. Payment of processing fee does not assure appearance of ad on site. References to target cycles (e.g. "just $##.##/yr.") are not guarantees [ads that appear on the site may appear for a longer or shorter time than the indicated target cycles (e.g. from 0 days to multiples of a target cycle)] and are subject to change at any time without notice (either retroactively or on a go-forward basis, either individually / selectively / grouped / or in total).

 

Reminders: You may not copy / distribute (including via e-mail, website, etc.) / sell / etc. information contained on this site (or any images) or use them for any commercial purpose whatsoever. All applicable content is owned by us and is protected by copyright laws. Any unauthorized reproduction / distribution / use of such content is prohibited by law and may result in severe civil and criminal penalties. Note that we reserve the right to prosecute violators to the maximum extent possible. Also note that views of others do not necessarily reflect our views. We make no guarantees regarding any item herein and we not responsible/liable for any consequences which may occur as a - direct or indirect - result of use of this site. By using this site (or associated materials), you agree to hold us harmless for all damages in connection with use of this site (or other materials), regardless of their nature. Remember that we are not a party to others' transactions / activities (including posting, browsing of posts/ads, transfers, contacts / correspondence, etc.) even if information regarding the transactions / activities appears on this site or other materials of ours, and that we do not mediate disputes. You are solely responsible for all consequences of your transactions / activities. Use of this site is at your own risk, with no liability whatsoever to us. By using this site, you agree to all terms. For more terms information, click here.

 

Copyright © 2001-2024, B.F.S. All rights reserved.

MyCatholicSource.com , MyCatholicSource.org , CatholicCommunityCenter.com , CatholicCommunityCenter.org , BFSMedia , BFSApps , and other indicated & related items are trademarks of B.F.S. |  MyCatholicSource.com, BFSApps, and BFSMedia are divisions of B.F.S. | DR10.28.12 11:23:33 -0600LUP