Post by troubledgoodangel on Feb 4, 2007 8:37:01 GMT -7
Spiritual progress is only possible in an atmosphere of earnestness. The term "earnestness" essentially means being passionate with respect to the task at hand. The Greek equivalents "termos" and "zelos' convey such an idea of ardor and passion. It is putting God first before the neighbor and oneself in order to love neighbor and self more effectively. A love like this requires a commitment "to that holiness to which all are called" (Lumen Gentium 39-42). It is an ardent love which in the words of St. Paul "is patient, kind, and not jealous, not pompous and not inflated, not rude and not seeking its own interests, not quick-tempered and not brooding over injury, not rejoicing over wrongdoing but rejoicing with the Truth" (1 Cor 13:4-6). It is a Christlike love, a love that can change the world. An earnest Christian welcomes the will of God with joy, regardless how adverse it may be. He rejoices even if confronted with illness or calamity for he knows that his Father in Heaven is in control! Detached from the worldly cravings, he seeks nothing but the Glory of God (the Hebrew word is "kabod"). St. Thomas, the Angelic Doctor, calls this type of earnestness "a fruit of love," and the great Mistical Doctor St. John of the Cross calls it "amorosa contemplacion" - a contemplation of love. Contrary to acedia, which is a spiritual sloth and apathy common in today's world, spiritual ardor is a characteristic of the Saints, and in this spiritual passion we see Christ Himself coming back into the world.