St. John's sermon

"St. Jerome relates that when age and weakness grew upon him at Ephesus, so that he was no longer able to preach or make long discourses to the people, he used always to be carried to the assembly of the faithful by his disciples with great difficulty; and every time said to his flock only these words, "My dear children, love one another." When his auditors, wearied with hearing constantly the same thing, asked him why he always repeated the same words, he replied, "Because it is the precept of the Lord, and if you comply with it, you do enough ": an answer, says St. Jerome, worthy the great St. John, the favourite disciple of Christ, and which ought to be engraved in characters of gold, or rather to be written in the heart of every Christian."
http://www.ewtn.com/library/MARY/JOHNEVAN.HTM

i love this story.. maybe the people who came to listen to St. John expected a complex, sophisticated message, and were disappointed when the Apostle said something so simple and seemingly obvious.. but these are the words of Christ.. "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."

"Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it" John, 'the beloved disciple', said to them the most important thing..and those who became like little children and opened their hearts to this message, received more truth than if they were taught by philosophers or theologians. "Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?" 1 Cor. 1:20

I'm also reminded of these words from the Imitation:

"What good does it do to speak learnedly about the Trinity if, lacking humility, you displease the Trinity? Indeed it is not learning that makes a man holy and just, but a virtuous life makes him pleasing to God. I would rather feel contrition than know how to define it. For what would it profit us to know the whole Bible by heart and the principles of all the philosophers if we live without grace and the love of God? Vanity of vanities and all is vanity, except to love God and serve Him alone."

"EVERY man naturally desires knowledge; but what good is knowledge without fear of God? Indeed a humble rustic who serves God is better than a proud intellectual who neglects his soul to study the course of the stars. He who knows himself well becomes mean in his own eyes and is not happy when praised by men. If I knew all things in the world and had not charity, what would it profit me before God Who will judge me by my deeds?

Shun too great a desire for knowledge, for in it there is much fretting and delusion. Intellectuals like to appear learned and to be called wise. Yet there are many things the knowledge of which does little or no good to the soul, and he who concerns himself about other things than those which lead to salvation is very unwise. Many words do not satisfy the soul; but a good life eases the mind and a clean conscience inspires great trust in God.

The more you know and the better you understand, the more severely will you be judged, unless your life is also the more holy. Do not be proud, therefore, because of your learning or skill. Rather, fear because of the talent given you. If you think you know many things and understand them well enough, realize at the same time that there is much you do not know. Hence, do not affect wisdom, but admit your ignorance. Why prefer yourself to anyone else when many are more learned, more cultured than you? If you wish to learn and appreciate something worth while, then love to be unknown and considered as nothing.

Truly to know and despise self is the best and most perfect counsel. To think of oneself as nothing, and always to think well and highly of others is the best and most perfect wisdom. Wherefore, if you see another sin openly or commit a serious crime, do not consider yourself better, for you do not know how long you can remain in good estate. All men are frail, but you must admit that none is more frail than yourself."

i think this is such a useful reminder.. it is so easy to get caught up in all the theology and studying and feeling proud of yourself for "understanding so much"..or in human philosophy.. i was there once.. when all along i missed the most important truth of all, and understood nothing.

"become like little children.."

Love is indeed the most important thing and the fulfilment of the law.. and not just loving our friends, but people we disagree with, people who are our enemies, and people who are really difficult to love.. for that is how Christ loved us.. that is such a challenge though, and requires so much humility. i pray that God would help me be more loving..that He would help me see the world with His eyes, show His mercy and kindness to others, and that He would change my heart to be more like His.. I think..if we love God and neighbour, that would help us obey the other commands as well.. and if we think we're obeying the law but we have no love, it all means nothing.

"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
Col 3:14