I recently read a quote from a pivotal book that found me 18 years ago: “Simply Sane: The Spirituality of Mental Health” by Gerald May, psychiatrist and author of many classic books on spirituality, and one of the founders of the renowned Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation in the D.C. area.

The reason I have the book to this day is because I “borrowed” it from the convent where I found it and it utterly steadied me during a tumultuous time. Yes, I purloined it. I was that desperate then, and the book is that good.

In any event, I recently legitimately bought a compilation of Jerry May’s posthumous columns from the Shalem newsletter. Here is a challenging quote that I read anew from “Simply Sane”:

“Searching beneath anxiety, one will find fear. And beneath fear, hurt will be discovered. Beneath the hurt will be guilt. Beneath the guilt lie rage and hatred. But do not stop with this, for beneath the rage lies frustrated desire. Finally beneath and beyond desire, is love. In every feeling look deeply. Explore without ceasing. At bottom love is.”

Whatever our history with love, with all the relationships that teach us about love, there is something so core about this emotion. So core it verges on commandment: As Jesus said: “Love one another, as I have loved you.”

Yes, this is a Valentine’s Day blog... And I want to call your attention to a special adult ed class this Sunday. Honoring of the depths of love and acutely aware of its universal challenges, Patrice and Robert have planned a discussion that is practical, inviting to all, and revealing of ways to navigate and celebrate the mysteries of relationship. Please plan to attend or to tune in on live stream at 1:30 on Sunday.

“Explore without ceasing” the call of love that is at the heart of our being. The call that lies beyond relationship status, personal history and circumstances. What might it mean for you to uncover love as a Lenten practice?