Saint Anthony Mary Claret, Bishop (Optional Memorial)

Know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.

A way of knowing that “surpasses knowledge”? What is St. Paul talking about?

Maybe this will help. Many languages make a distinction between “knowing-that” and “knowing-by-experience.” For instance, there’s a big difference between knowing that lightning exists and being struck by lightning. Or, perhaps less dramatically, there’s a big difference between knowing the chemical composition of ice cream and enjoying the taste of its velvety sweetness.

Let’s apply this to our spiritual lives. We can know some things about God. We know that he loves each one of us. We can read it in the Scriptures or hear it preached at Mass. We also know that Christ demonstrated his love by dying for us. But God longs for us to know his love in a far deeper way, by experience. In today’s first reading, St. Paul invites us to do just that—to personally enter into the love that God has for us.

So let’s do it! First, remember that God is the One who calls you and leads you in prayer. He places a thirst to know him in your heart. So step one is to ask him to fan into flame your desire to experience his love.

Next, let’s take a look at some objections or hesitations you might have. Do you think you don’t deserve to know God’s love? That’s true of all of us, but it’s no obstacle to God! Are you embarrassed about your sins and shortcomings? Ask his forgiveness, set right what you can, and know that God never refuses his mercy. Have you had hurtful experiences with human love? Those didn’t come from God! In fact, they break his heart, especially when he sees how the memory of those experiences can close your heart to his love. Do you think all you can get is a glimpse of Christ’s love? A glimpse is a good start, but there’s always more.

God wants to overcome your objections so that you can know his love in a way that goes beyond mere knowledge. So take some time today to open your heart, and let God show you just how much he loves you.

“Lord, I know that you love me! Help me to experience that love in a deeper way today.”

Ephesians 3:14-21
Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19
Luke 12:49-53