On Love

I just wanted to share this beautiful piece that was read at the wedding of my brother-in-law and sister-in-law a couple of months ago. I always feeling like I'm talking with a friend when I hear/read the words of those of the communion of saints. Thomas à Kempis has always spoken straight to my heart. I especially love this reading because it connects earthly love with the divine love of God. For none of the attributes of love described here are possible apart from a relationship with God alone. It is only through Him that we are able to even attempt to love our spouses, families, friends, and foes at all.

On Love
Thomas à Kempis

Love is a mighty power,
a great and complete good.
Love alone lightens every burden, and makes rough places smooth.
It bears every hardship as though it were nothing, and renders
all bitterness sweet and acceptable.

Nothing is sweeter than love,
Nothing stronger,
Nothing higher,
Nothing wider,
Nothing more pleasant,
Nothing fuller or better in heaven or earth;
for love is born of God.

Love flies, runs and leaps for joy.
It is free and unrestrained.
Love knows no limits, but ardently transcends all bounds.
Love feels no burden, takes no account of toil,
attempts things beyond its strength.

Love sees nothing as impossible,
for it feels able to achieve all things.
It is strange and effective,
while those who lack love faint and fail.

Love is not fickle and sentimental,
nor is it intent on vanities.
Like a living flame and a burning torch,
it surges upward and surely surmounts every obstacle.