September 17, Wednesday Weekday

Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.-- Psalm 33:12

Mass readings: 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13 / Luke 7:31-35

Love's Infinity

One Lent I decided to meditate each night on the characteristics of authentic love in 1 Corinthians 13, today's first reading. (''Love is patient, love is kind . . . . '') I intended to read it line by line and contemplate how well (or not) I had succeeded in each aspect. Simple, right?

Well, in all six weeks, I never made it through the whole passage. In fact, often I never made it past the first characteristic, ''Love is patient.'' That alone filled the entire prayer time. Was I patient today? Often the answer was humbling. But I can't tell you how much I learned about patience that Lent. And about the depths of love because each characteristic on the list is equally inexhaustible. I could consider them for a lifetime and still have more to learn.

Prayer: St. Paul, pray that I may have faith, hope, and, most of all, love.