Gregory the Great could be called the Doctor of Desire, says Jean Leclerq. He says The importance given to desire confers on St. Gregory's doctrine an extremely dynamic quality. It is concerned with constant progress, for desire, as it becomes the more intense, is rewarded by a certain possession of God which increases it still more. The result of this desire is peace rediscovered in God, since desire is itself a possession in which fear and love are reconciled.
Fear and love reconciled. That thought deserves our attention and consideration. We've heard that love cast out fear. But Leclerq is telling us more...that one can fear, but through love, turn that fear into energy that seeks God all the more. Desire, such a passive act, can propell the soul to great things. Either way, fear and love live within us. Gregory shows us the way to make them more useful.
Quies in labore, fatigatio in requie
Fear and love reconciled. That thought deserves our attention and consideration. We've heard that love cast out fear. But Leclerq is telling us more...that one can fear, but through love, turn that fear into energy that seeks God all the more. Desire, such a passive act, can propell the soul to great things. Either way, fear and love live within us. Gregory shows us the way to make them more useful.
Quies in labore, fatigatio in requie
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