Dear Folks,

I was listening to a ‘secular’ podcast yesterday and have been chewing on this quote, “It is easy to fall in love with an idea.”  They went on to discuss how it’s not so easy to love something real.
The problem is that “ideas” can often involve a great deal of fantasy on our part and when the fantasy collides with reality, then we can be left disappointed and disillusioned.  Does your idea of the perfect spouse allow for their humanity, weakness, and their preferences which may not be your own?  Real Love is challenging, because it means generously giving ourselves away.
I have mentioned the annual Married Couples retreat in this space, and invite you to come away and pray with your spouse.  Together you can more deeply encounter our Lord and each other.
Moreover, do you love Jesus, or the idea of Jesus?  Our idea of Jesus must conform to who He is.  A mature growth in loving Jesus means learning where our idea of Him is in error, and coming to love Him as He is.  When the faith challenges your behavior or bias or understanding, then this is Jesus trying to move your love to a more perfect state.  Will you really love Him?  Then get to know Him.  Lent is coming and is a beautiful time to strip away some of our distractions to better see and love Jesus.

pax et bonum,
fr mosimann