“For the invisible things of him, from the creation of the world, are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made; his eternal power also, and divinity, so that they are inexcusable. Because that, when they knew God, they have not glorified him as God, or given thanks; but became vain in their thoughts, and their foolish heart was darkened. For professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.”
O minds of men! You see love, measuring it against a perfect love that is not merely a concept, but a God that loves you! You see truth, beauty, goodness, and existence, not realizing that all of these have a source, the love that is God: “The heavens shew forth the glory of God, and the firmament declareth the work of his hands” (Psalm 18:2). However, a wounded judgement concerning God leads to disbelief in Him, be it in His goodness or His existence. No one doubts God, they doubt what they think He is, which is love. Thus, when someone is loved in truth, “Let us not love in word, nor in tongue, but in deed, and in truth” (1 John 3:18), they can encounter God, coming to a more correct picture of how He truly is, rather than the smeared image they carry in their minds: “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another” (John 13:35). Though nature and reason can lead one to the truth of God and how to act morally, it is far more difficult to proceed to righteousness and love through these means than by realizing how loved they are by this same God. No, people see that there is a good and bad way to love, and expect to be loved perfectly while not giving this same perfect love, or used their reason and heart to act in a righteous manner like some great philosophers, but indulged themselves in the things of the world, neglecting what is spiritual. Sin then clouds the mind, and though people can become knowledgeable about many things, they neglect the wisdom of love, thus why St. Paul implores: “If any man among you seem to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise” (1 Corinthians 3:18), for the knowledge of things that pass away is nothing, but learning the art of love is perfect wisdom: “I [wisdom] am the mother of fair love” (Ecclesiasticus 24:24). Those that proclaim a superior knowledge, or a worldly way of loving, in fact know nothing, for this is foolishness of heart. Wisdom of heart, however, is pleasing to God: “Study wisdom, my son, and make my heart joyful” (Proverbs 27:11). Thus, it is of great benefit to study the Book of Life, to know the way of I Love You in a divine way: “Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy justifications” (Psalm 118:12). This is why a small child, or a little old woman, may be considered wiser than a man with several doctorate degrees: “I confess to thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them to little ones” (Matthew 11:25), for the child that knows the love of God is wise in love, whereas the one prudent in the ways of the world knows not where to turn for the eternal fountain of love: “I am Alpha and Omega; the beginning and the end. To him that thirsteth, I will give of the fountain of the water of life, freely” (Apocalypse 21:6). Drink constantly from this fountain, that you may know how loved you are, and from this love with wisdom, for this the wisdom that God urges you to know: “The sons of wisdom are the church of the just: and their generation, obedience and love” (Ecclesiasticus 3:1).