Re: Is Catholic love compulsory?
Love is willing the good of the other.
I heard a statement once that helped me so much with loving my enemies, "Only hurt people hurt people."
Keeping that in mind we don't have to take their actions "personally." I believe Jesus was able to endure such injustice on account that we are so wounded. I think of an injured dog who bites if you get near its wounds, even if you only want to heal it. It's a reaction to try to protect itself. We often do the same thing.
I believe Jesus manifested in His own body during the crucifixion the wounds that we all bear. He mirrored physically the condition of our souls, the consequences of original sin and our choices. His commitment to us propelled Him to endure everything that we endure. He is a just and compassionate judge because He knows us inside and out.
Sin is self-mutilation. That is why it is so offensive to God. This is why we must love our neighbor, even when they are our enemies, because they are the most wounded of all and in most need of love.
"Those who are most difficult to love are the ones who need it the most."
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