WEEK 5: How men and women love differently
Let us direct ourselves towards the purpose of knowing and loving and how it differs in a man and a woman’s expression of love.
listen
think
Knowing and loving are two different faculties of a person that each must be directed to its true purpose. Knowing is directed to the person’s self, for it seeks the truth. Loving is directed outside of the person, for it seeks the good. A man and a woman love differently, for they complement one another, while they both pursue goodness and truth. A man loves differently than a woman does. Men give a reason to love, while women do not.
It is necessary to love an object or person greater than ourselves, for love demands the intellect to direct the good of someone we love. In other words, to love something greater than ourselves may give knowledge of self and truth in order to better seek the good for those we love.
pray
Lord Jesus, let me know myself and know Thee, And desire nothing save only Thee. Let me hate myself and love Thee. Let me do everything for the sake of Thee. Let me humble myself and exalt Thee. Let me think nothing except Thee. Let me die to myself and live in Thee.
Let me accept whatever happens as from Thee. Let me banish self and follow Thee, And ever desire to follow Thee. Let me fly from myself and take refuge in Thee,
That I may deserve to be defended by Thee. Let me fear for myself, let me fear Thee, And let me be among those who are chosen by Thee. Let me distrust myself and put my trust in Thee. Let me be willing to obey for the sake of Thee.
Let me cling to nothing save only to Thee, And let me be poor because of Thee. Look upon me, that I may love Thee. Call me that I may see Thee, And for ever enjoy Thee. Amen.
(St. Augustine).
Resource: “The Raccolta; prayers and devotions enriched with indulgence” Authorize by The Holy
Sea (Pg. 37)
act
- When you love someone or something, what are the demands of its love? Are you loving something, or someone, that is worthy of your love?
- Love takes effort, for you are seeking the good of things in a way that is not naive. Do you truly understand the meaning of loving something or someone?
- Do you seek the truth in what is good? Find the truth of everything that you see and everything that you do, for the good is directed to the truth.
- When you learn of things that are true, do not forget how to love by seeking its good.
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 