But be sure to fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you. 1 Samuel 12:24
“That in the beginning of the spiritual life, we ought to be faithful in doing our duty and denying ourselves; but after that unspeakable pleasures followed: that in difficulties we need only have recourse to Jesus Christ, and beg His grace, with which everything became easy.
That many do not advance in the Christian progress, because they stick in penances, and particular exercises, while they neglect the love of God, which is the end. That this appeared plainly by their works, and was the reason why we see so little solid virtue.
That there needed neither art nor science for going to GOD, but only a heart resolutely determined to apply itself to nothing but Him, or for His sake, and to love Him only.”
Brother Lawrence (c. 1614-1691) in The Practice of the Presence of God: The Best Rule of Holy Life (Grand Rapids: CCEL) 9-10
Brother Lawrence reminds us that God desires wholehearted and faithful service. In so doing, we must not get stuck in penances. What might this look like in modern times?
To much of giving, for many people, looks less like generosity and more like paying taxes. God does not need our tithes (law language) or tax payments! He wants our hearts.
For our generosity to be mixed with compassion and for grasping unspeakable pleasures, let us deny ourselves and nurture our love for God with all we are and all we have.
Father, by your Holy Spirit, make our hearts resolutely determined and focused on loving you. As we do this, may your cares become ours and may our generosity and compassion look like Jesus. Amen.