...we must allow ourselves to be loved by this exceedingly holy, purifying, life-giving love, and submit to its purifications, however painful they may be at times. And it should be met with a generous response, according to these words of St. John: "Let us love God: because He hath first loved us" (I John 4: 10). We must love the Lord for His own sake, with a purity of intention rising above the promptings of vainglory and pride and that self-seeking which is induced by jealousy and the desire for the esteem of men.
The beginning in us of a pure love for God will then be some participation in that love which God has for Himself, a spark from that divine furnace of His own self-love. And as our love grows purer daily, it will increase in holiness, generosity, and strength. Indeed it will make us invincible, according to the phrase of St. Paul (Rom. 8: 1), "If God be with us, who is against us?" And finally, our love thus gradually purified will enable us to triumph over death itself and will open the gates of paradise to us. When we enter into glory, we shall be established forever in a supernatural love for God that can nevermore be lost or lessened. Garrigou-Lagrange, Providence.
Now is the time to let God love you. Do not run away from God. Very soon, the time of mercy will end and we shall be totally dependent on how we have prepared ourselves, how we have cooperated with grace.
This is the time of spiritual preparation. Too many people are merely thinking of storing food, which may be a good and prudent thing.
But, the real trials to come will demand a level of maturity and preparation not seen before on the earth from us Catholics.
Take time now.
Now is the time.
