From social media (Facebook, Instagram, and X) this past week:

It is not possible to speak or write of the profound love engendered in the heart of the Christian who looks at the neighbour, not according to exterior things like wealth or descent or the like, but as beloved members of Christ’s body, intimately united with him by every kind of relationship and friendship. The proverb says, “Whoever loves Beltran, loves his dog” [i.e., love me, love my dog]. How much more do you think the lover of Christ will love his neighbours who are Christ’s mystical body? — Saint John of Avila

I do not look far ahead or close at hand; I look only at the One my heart loves. — Marcel Văn, writing on a memento of his first profession

The entire doctrine of [Saint John of the Cross] is a doctrine of love, an instruction how the soul will arrive at being transformed in God who is love. — Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)

Loving contemplation, typical of the most intimate prayer, does not need many words. A gaze is enough. It is enough to be convinced that our life is surrounded by an immense and faithful love that nothing can ever separate us from. — Pope Francis

P.S. Happy birthday, Pope Francis! We love you here at Contemplative in the Mud and are grateful for all that you have done and are doing for contemplatives all over the world. Ad multos annos!