"One day Francis said to Brother Riccerio, who was deeply troubled interiorly: 'Don't let your thoughts depress you, for you are very dear to me. Know that you are among those especially dear to me and worthy of my affection and intimacy. Come to me confidently whenever you wish, and don't be afraid to talk to me with utmost familiarity.'" --Celano, First Life, 50This is a good opportunity to talk about what it means to love everybody. When God calls us to love everyone, even our enemies, He is not asking us to have "affection and intimacy" with everyone. "To love" is an action--not a feeling. When we love someone we are kind to them, help them, forgive them. In short, we show them God's kind of love--unconditional.
