Commentary on the Gospel of
Love Begets Labor
The Rector of a major seminary, with whom I shared formation responsibilities, would periodically lament, half-jokingly and half-seriously: “I am tired of showing good example to the students. I need a break!” Many of us can identify with his frustration. It is hard to keep doing good things and be “a model.” But, in truth, this is hard only when love hasn’t swept us off the feet. Anyone in love would know that he or she would go any length to do anything for the beloved. No work is hard for the one in love. Jesus is spot on when he says if anyone loves him, he or she will truly keep his word, and if one doesn’t, it would be hard for that person to keep the word. Love always effects a spring on our feet. It is love that makes our feet like the hind’s feet and helps us climb and dance upon the mountain heights (cf. Hab 3:19).
