Radiating Joy

“The only way to deal with the complexity of human relations is to learn simply to love. We learn that love is the unifying force in every human relationship whether it is a relationship with those closest to us, or those who have hurt us . . .or the way we relate to humanity at large, to the down-and-out in the street or to the suffering we see daily in the media We learn that it is the same love that relates us to all of those. The only way to deal with the complexity of human relations is the simplicity of love. In love we do not judge, we do not compete; we accept, we revere, and we learn compassion. In learning to love others we release the inner joy of being that radiates outwards through us, touching others through our relationships. This is why communities, families, and marriages do not exist solely for the perfection of the people in those. . .relationships. They exist also to radiate love. . . .beyond themselves, radiating joy, that simplicity of love beyond themselves, to touch all those who come into contact with it.” From Laurence Freeman OSB, “Forgiveness and Compassion,” ASPECTS OF LOVE (London: Arthur James, 1997), pp. 72-74.