Sometimes, if you are lucky while reading through the many quotes that are buffeted back and forth and shared in workshops, retreats, and now, social media, you find one that resonates enough with you to cause you to pause, to reflect, and possibly, make a difference in how you live your faith.
That quote, for me, comes from Jesuit Father Pedro Arrupe, once a superior general of the Society of Jesus. Today, this quote often surfaces around Valentine’s Day because it is a powerful insight about love; more particularly, the love of God:
"Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is than falling in love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the mornings, what you will do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything."
After reading this quote I felt I needed to learn more about Father Arrupe. His history includes being arrested and imprisoned in Japan during the war and ministering to the wounded after the bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. His ministry to those in need continued to the very poor in Latin America.
I recently read a story about Father Arrupe’s time in Latin America, where he said Mass in the poorest of all areas. After Mass, the priest was invited to the home of the man who wanted to thank the Jesuit for all he had done for the community. The house was no more than a shack. The man gave Father Arrupe an old chair and asked him to sit and watch the setting sun in all its beauty with him. It was the only gift he had to share.
Father Arrupe reflected, “He gave me his hand. As I was leaving, I thought: ‘I have met very few hearts that are so kind.’”
As we prepare to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day, a tradition that has grown up around a third-century Roman saint of whom not much is known, we may celebrate the day more meaningfully by remembering the simple gift of a setting sun and Father Arrupe’s gift of self to those who needed to be sure of God’s love.
Our best present is always a presence. It’s a mark of kindness and one that finds its strength in our love of God.
Mary Regina Morrell is a Catholic journalist, author, and syndicated columnist who has served the dioceses of Metuchen and Trenton, New Jersey, and RENEW International in the areas of catechesis and communication.