English
EspañolPassion is like a thoroughbred. Put its energy at the service of your self-giving and the embrace of your beloved so that they grow in sincerity and be complete. If you become self-absorbed in your ego and use it to satisfy yourself, that thoroughbred will run amok and, without reins, it will throw you to the ground and will kick your beloved.
Text
“A person can certainly channel his passions in a beautiful and healthy way, increasingly pointing them towards altruism and an integrated self-fulfilment that can only enrich interpersonal relationships in the heart of the family.” (The Joy of Love, n.148)
Commentary
An integrated, mature love, which unifies rather than divides us, incorporates the strength of our passions to deepen, with pleasure and joy, the quality of our self-giving and affectionate embrace of those we love. This way, we can love them passionately. When we do not direct our passions towards self-giving and embracing others, their energy and strength are selfishly steered towards satisfying ourselves. We can then become divided within, torn between what passion demands of us and what we should do out of generous love for the other. In this sense and direction, it is necessary to educate the passions, direct their strength in favor of the loved ones, and prune their selfish tendencies. An uncontrolled person, one who does not control his passions, is like a rider who takes the place of the horse. How is he expected to be the rider if the colt rides and dominates him? How can we give ourselves and embrace our beloveds if passions, without bridle or education, force us to satisfy ourselves using others for this purpose?
Rodrigo is a boy who likes to study. He reads a lot and learns languages. His conversations deal with exciting topics… well, yes, they are interesting, but deep down, I think he wants to show just how much he knows. Rodrigo hardly ever smiles. Very rarely have I seen him make a grimace that looks like the beginning of a smile. He is always serious. He is distant at family gatherings and remains silent when jokes are made. Of course, nobody jokes with him and treats him seriously. I think Rodrigo needs someone to explain to him that it is good to study and talk about interesting subjects, but above all, it is good to laugh, show affection, share joys, and have good humor. Perhaps Rodrigo is one of those who think that letting feelings show is a sign of weakness. That is not true. Nor should we go to the other extreme of acting only according to what our feelings dictate. Neither one nor the other is good for us. Passions are there for us as people to manage them and channel them so that they become a tool to give ourselves more to others.
