supreme, all-consuming love
"On my bed at night I sought Him Whom my heart loves." —Song of Songs 3:1
The psalmist prays: "O God, You are my God Whom I seek; for You my flesh pines and My soul thirsts" (Ps 63:2). The Church proclaims "the supremacy of the bond with Christ" (Catechism, 1619). Our relationship with Him should be in a class by itself (see Lk 14:26). Mary Magdalene is a great example of a right relationship with Jesus. Mary was so preoccupied with Jesus that she hardly noticed "two angels in dazzling robes" (Jn 20:12). She clung to Him (Jn 20:17). Jesus was her Love, Life, Lord, God, and All!
Do you love Jesus more than anyone or anything else? (see Jn 21:15) Do you love Jesus as He should be loved? Although it is difficult to answer these questions, our thoughts are often a good indication of where our hearts are. "The root of all conduct is the mind" (Sir 37:17). We can think at any time, and nothing can stop us from thinking. Because our thoughts are so free, they can be a way that the Lord uses to show us whether we love Him supremely.
What do you think about? Who do you think about? Are you always thinking of yourself? If Jesus is the supreme Love of your life, the words of the old spiritual will be true for you: "I woke up this morning with my mind stayed on Jesus."
By His grace, think of Jesus continually. As Mary Magdalene does, love Him supremely.
Prayer: Jesus, consume me in the fire of Your love (see Heb 12:29).
Promise: "The love of Christ impels us who have reached the conviction that since One died for all, all died. He died for all so that those who live might live no longer for themselves." —2 Cor 5:14-15
Praise: St. Mary Magdalene's mind was so "stayed on Jesus," it took her to the agony of the cross and the glory of the resurrection.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, December 16, 1999
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 18, 1999