WEEK 4: three kinds of love (eros, philia, & agape)
God Loves you. Knowing the three kinds of love can help us distinguish and better understand the love that God has shown and expressed to all of us. Love is an expression that all of us give, so we must be conscious of their forms.
listen
think
Love is such a complex word. From this week’s audio, Bishop Sheen details three expressions, or kinds, of love: Eros, Philia, and Agape. Describing love without being specific to its expression can lead us to its perversion. Understanding the three forms will guide us to establish a relationship with our single, trinitarian creator.
Human love (ie romantic relationships) should not be focused only on sensualism, but rather the true order of attraction to another person.
The love for humanity (ie love toward the poor, friends in need) should not be self-centered or only sentimental, but rather a true compassion of the heart, regardless of how we feel towards them.
And, sacrificial love is something that all of us need to understand and to experience, as it is a divine concept & necessary for all Christians to live out.
pray
Lord Jesus
Lord Jesus, I unite myself to Thy perpetual, unceasing, universal sacrifice. I offer myself to Thee every day of my life and every moment of every day, according to Thy most holy and adorable will. Thou hast been the victim of my salvation, I wish to be the victim of Thy love. Accept my desire, take my offering, graciously hear my prayer. Let me live for love of Thee, let me die for love of Thee; let my last heartbeat be an act of perfect love!
(An Indulgence of 500 days: said once a day)
Source: “The Raccolta; prayers and devotions enriched with indulgence” Authorize by The Holy Sea (Pg. 49)
act
- Love a person in such a way that is not a perversion of the secular, but the good of love’s true nature.
- Reflect & act upon your Love for someone in your life, not based on how you feel about them but how they should be loved based on the truth that every person is made in God’s image.
- Ponder and contemplate on sacrificial love (God’s love) in your own life.
Meet Isaac, Our Spiritual Guide for these Reflections
My name is Isaac Padriga. I was born in the Philippines and came to the states in 2006. One of my favorite daily activities is practicing filipino martial arts or Eskrima (fencing). It is basically shadow boxing with a stick 🙂 I enjoy the thoughtless flow of motion while performing and executing the various movements . My catholic faith is an important aspect of my life for it is the truth, mystery and guidance that helps me navigate through the ongoing uncertainties and challenges of the secular world. I also have two dogs, one mixed maltipoo/shih tzu, named Molly, and a mixed australian shepherd/labrador, named Copper. And finally, I also like to put two shots of espresso in my lemonade. -_-
Cal Poly Pomona Catholic Newman Club 