LOVE IS ALL ENCOMPASSING

It is here, my daughters, that love is to be found--not hidden away in corners but in the midst of occasions of sin. And believe me, although we may  more often fail and commit small lapses, our gain will be incomparably the greater. -- Saint Teresa of Avila

I'm flabbergasted. I read the words "in the midst of occasions of sin," and again, yet again, I realize that I find love in the midst of being sinned against and forgiving even as the sin is happening.

[And let me be clear...I do not use the word "sin" in my everyday thinking or speaking, but it's Saint Teresa of Avila who said it...I'm not about to correct her. (And I'm not at all familiar with the lady, but she's a saint and I ain't.]

It seems that every time I read that quote, my first take is that it is referring only to my own "occasions of sin." With just a moment of silent reflection, it becomes clear that at no time can love be for just one side of anything.

Love is all encompassing or it is not love.

Thank you.