Episode 1803: What does love look like?

"What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like."
–St. Augustine
This quote by St. Augustine emphasizes the qualities and actions associated with love. Here's a breakdown of what he meant:
Hands to Help Others: Love is manifested through actions, particularly in helping others. The metaphorical "hands" symbolize the willingness and ability to extend a helping hand to those in need.
Feet to Hasten to the Poor and Needy: Love is not passive; it actively seeks out those who are poor and needy. The "feet" represent the eagerness to move quickly towards those who require assistance, showing a sense of urgency and compassion.
Eyes to See Misery and Want: Love is perceptive and empathetic. It involves seeing and recognizing the suffering and needs of others. The "eyes" symbolize a keen awareness of the hardships and struggles that people face.
Ears to Hear the Sighs and Sorrows of Men: Love involves listening to the emotional expressions of others. The "ears" signify the capacity to hear and understand the sighs and sorrows of fellow human beings, demonstrating empathy and a willingness to provide comfort.
In essence, St. Augustine's description of love goes beyond mere sentiment or emotion; it emphasizes the tangible and active aspects of love through compassionate deeds, quick response to those in need, awareness of suffering, and a listening ear for the sorrows of others.

St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa):
St. Augustine's concept of love, particularly the active aspect of helping others, resonates with the life and teachings of St. Teresa of Calcutta. Mother Teresa dedicated her life to serving the poor and destitute, embodying the selfless love that Augustine describes. Both saints emphasize the hands-on, practical expression of love through deeds.

St. Francis of Assisi:
St. Augustine's call to hasten to the poor and needy is reminiscent of the life of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis is known for his deep love for poverty and his commitment to serving the marginalized. Both Augustine and Francis highlight the transformative power of love in reaching out to those in material and spiritual need.

St. Therese of Lisieux:
St. Augustine's description of love involving eyes to see misery and want reflects a similar sentiment in the writings of St. Therese of Lisieux. St. Therese, known as "The Little Flower," emphasized the importance of small acts of love and kindness. Her "Little Way" encourages believers to see the beauty in simple, everyday expressions of love.
In summary, while each saint has a unique perspective and emphasis in their teachings, there is a common thread of love as a central virtue in Christian spirituality. St. Augustine's words resonate with the practical and compassionate expressions of love seen in the lives of other saints, illustrating a shared commitment to living out the Christian faith through love for God and neighbor.
Now for Raoul Plus, S.J
Raoul Plus, S.J. (1882–1958), was a French Jesuit priest, spiritual director, and author known for his contributions to Christian spirituality. He entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and became a priest, dedicating his life to the service of God and the spiritual guidance of others.

Father Raoul Plus is particularly remembered for his writings on prayer, spirituality, and the interior life. He had a deep understanding of the Christian mystical tradition and sought to guide people in developing a richer and more profound prayer life. His works often emphasize the importance of interior silence, contemplation, and a strong connection with the divine in the Christian journey.

One of his notable books is "The Spiritual Life: A Treatise on Ascetical and Mystical Theology," where he explores various aspects of Christian spirituality. The quote you provided earlier reflects his insights on the significance of interior silence in the pursuit of a truly Christian life.

While Raoul Plus may not be as widely known as some other spiritual figures, his writings have had a meaningful impact on individuals seeking to deepen their spiritual lives within the context of the Catholic tradition.
“Not to try to live in interior silence is equivalent to giving up the effort to lead a truly Christian life. The Christian life is a life of faith, lived in the invisible for what is invisible. Anyone who is not in constant contact with the invisible world runs the risk of remaining always on the threshold of a true Christian life. … Solitude is the stronghold of the strong. Strength is an active virtue, and our power of keeping silence marks the level of our capacity for action. ‘Without this interior cell, we would be incapable of doing great things, either for ourselves or for others.'”
Raoul Plus, S.J., in this quote, emphasizes the importance of interior silence and solitude in living a truly Christian life. Let's break down the key points:

Living in Interior Silence:
According to Plus, not trying to live in interior silence is equivalent to giving up the effort to lead a truly Christian life. Interior silence refers to a state of inner peace, quiet, and contemplation where one can commune with the divine. It involves a quieting of the mind and heart to listen to God's voice and guidance.

Christian Life as a Life of Faith in the Invisible:
Plus highlights that the Christian life is a life of faith, lived in the invisible for what is invisible. This means that faith involves trusting in and living for things that are beyond the visible, material world. It requires a deep connection with the invisible spiritual reality and a reliance on God's guidance and presence.

Constant Contact with the Invisible World:
The idea is that anyone not in constant contact with the invisible world runs the risk of remaining on the threshold of a true Christian life. Constant contact with the invisible world implies a continuous awareness of the spiritual dimension, seeking communion with God through prayer, reflection, and contemplation.
Solitude as the Stronghold of the Strong:
Plus describes solitude as the stronghold of the strong. This suggests that true strength lies in the ability to find solace and strength in moments of quiet and solitude. It is in the interior cell of silence that one can draw upon spiritual strength and fortitude.
Active Virtue and the Power of Keeping Silence:
Strength, according to Plus, is an active virtue. The power of keeping silence marks the level of our capacity for action. This implies that true strength is not just physical or visible but is manifested in the ability to actively practice virtues such as patience, humility, and love. Silence, in this context, is a source of inner strength that enables one to act virtuously in the world.

The Interior Cell for Doing Great Things:
Plus concludes by stating that without the interior cell of silence, one would be incapable of doing great things, either for oneself or for others. This highlights the transformative power of interior silence in empowering individuals to achieve spiritual growth and make positive impacts in their own lives and the lives of others.
In essence, Raoul Plus is encouraging believers to cultivate a life of interior silence, recognizing it as a source of strength, faith, and the capacity for virtuous action in the Christian journey.