MOTHER OF BEAUTIFUL LOVE

When is love beautiful? Show us, Mary, which of love’s qualities makes it truly beautiful. St. John Paul II, when speaking of love, often referred to the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, in which we read: “Man cannot fully realize himself except through a selfless gift of himself” (Gaudium et Spes 24). It is precisely this characteristic of love that belongs to its very essence and makes it beautiful—selflessness. Not every gift, not even every gift of oneself, is selfless, unfortunately. It is not necessarily a matter of sophisticated, deliberate deception, though that does happen. More often, these are “interests” of varying degrees, such as prioritizing self-realization and one’s own projects or needs, expecting gratitude, admiration, or publicity, or even simply one’s own sense of well-being. These “interests” are often subtly hidden under the guise of generosity and self-sacrifice, and meeting expectations can become a condition for showing kindness. “A true gift is characterized above all by selflessness, which shines through it symbolically, as through crystal.” /Małgorzata Musierowicz/ We must all learn selflessness in acts of love. To transcend everything that might make it “less beautiful.” To care for the sincerity of the heart, the authenticity of gestures, the purity of intentions. If I do something for someone, I can ask myself and answer honestly—why am I doing what I’m doing? What shines through my actions? Only selfless love is fruitful and can give life. Mother of beautiful love—pray for us