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"The love of Christ compels us". This short and powerful phrase gives us an insight into the life of Paul, the tireless Apostle of the Lord. He calls this a conviction arising from faith in the power of Jesus' death and resurrection. As well as animating his own personal Christian life, this conviction was a source of his apostolic energy. This conviction was not merely a mental conviction about a certain truth of doctrine. It was a spiritual conviction, a conviction of the heart and soul.
Paul uses the word "compel". He could not resist the love of Christ which filled his heart and soul at his conversion. Yet, the compulsion of Christ's love could never be an aggressive or destructive thing. Indeed, for Paul this compulsion was a great liberating force. He is arguing with the Corinthians to assure them that he had no longer any need to look for any kind of human motivation. The only motivation he needed for anything was there in his relationship with Christ: "the love of Christ compels us". If only that conviction were operative in all our own actions!
Lord Jesus Christ, grant us the grace that we may live, no longer for ourselves but for You, who died for our sakes and rose from the dead that we might live forever.
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That the faithful who hold positions of responsibility in public life, may defend and promote the respect of human values in every situation.
Elaboration
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