This letter from Padre Pio found its way into my inbox, which (as is so often the case) came at a time when I needed a reminder of God’s infinite love for us, and our inborn need to love Him. If I read him correctly, Padre Pio says that God love fills us because God Himself dwells within us, and our yearning to love Him is evidence of that His indwelling love.

There’s a good deal to ponder here, but I was particularly drawn to his asking, “How is it possible that a soul that has…dedicated to divine love…may one day depart this world dry, cold, without longing for God? How is it possible, I say, that this soul may leave this world with the mark of eternal damnation: Does it not seem a contraction to you?”*

I wonder how different things would be if we gave up worrying about being ‘worthy’ and just accepted that God’s love has no strings attached. God asks nothing in return for that gift, for true gifts are freely given, and God joys in our being channels of His love into the world.