“Love and do what you will” is the famous maxim offered by Augustine of Hippo to his faithful flock during one of his early years as bishop (Sermon on 1 Jn 4:4-12, §8). Such simplicity perhaps comes off as curious for the Doctor of Grace who was best known for his theological ferocity and clever turns of phrases. The message, nevertheless, is unambiguous and suggestive of Augustine’s own spiritual commitments: if we get to the root of our lives and find our center, we cannot but love as God loves and the rest is just details. Indeed, what’s the point of having a vocation but not understanding what our lives are fundamentally about? What’s the point of winning the admiration of others but not knowing who we are? Or, as Jesus himself puts it, what’s the point of gaining the whole world but losing our souls (Mk 8:36)? While we may nod in agreement to these rhetorical questions, human experience suggests that all of us are actually more in the habit of doing what we want then calling it “love,” resulting in a big angsty mess that we drag through life. During this season of resurrection, therefore, let’s recommit to focusing on the important stuff. We shall discover that we are made for love and that the rest truly is just details. Ave Crux, Spes Unica.
