Our Motive Places the Value of Our Life

The value of our whole life depends on the motive by which we act.  Now it is certain that the highest motive is that of love.  Once the soul has given herself out of love, nothing stays her, neither sufferings, nor difficulties, nor all that troubles us, for “where there is love, labor is absent” (St Augustine).  Try then to give yourself to Christ in this way without reserve, for good and out of love.  Then all will go well.  Your life will be extremely pleasing to God and very meritorious. 

From:  Union with God: Letters of Spiritual Direction by Blessed Columba MarmionSelected and Annotated by Dom Raymond Thibaut