Learning to love is the one great test, Pope says

December 02, 2009

During his weekly public audience on December 2, Pope Benedict XVI cited the words of the 11th-century monastic theologian, William of St. Thierry: “The truth is that only one task is entrusted to each human being: learning to love sincerely, authentically and freely. But only at the school of God can this task be achieved and can man attain the end for which he was created.”

“Learning to love is a long and arduous path,” the Pope continued. It requires an ascetic outlook, “to eliminate any disordered affections,” and a constant commitment to pursue a closer union with Christ. In the final analysis, the Holy Father said, it is only the action of the Holy Spirit that can “transform into charity all the desire for love present in the human person.”

 

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Further information:

• William of St. Theirry: Cantor of Love (VIS)