May 4th
Ven. Louis of Granada (1505-1588), Confessor; Granada, Spain

"Let us wean our hearts from worldly honors and possessions, and seek only spiritual riches, for such treasures are not diminished when enjoyed by numbers, but, on the contrary, are increased.  It is otherwise with the goods of the earth, which  must decrease in proportion to the numbers who share them.  For this reason envy finds easy access to the soul which covets the riches of this life, where one necessarily loses what another gains.

"Do not be satisfied with feeling no grief at the prosperity of your neighbor, but endeavor to benefit him all you can, and the good you cannot give him ask God to grant him.  Hate no man.  Love your friends in God,  and your enemies for God.  He so loved you while you were still His enemy that He shed the last drop of His Blood to save you from the tyranny of your sins.

"Your neighbor my be wicked, but that is no reason for hating him.  In such a case imitate the example of a wise physician, who loves his patient, but hates his disease.  We must abhor sin, which is the work of man, but we must always love our neighbor, who is the work of God.  Never say in you heart:  'What is my neighbor to me?  I owe him nothing.  We are bound by  no ties of blood or interest.  He has never done me a favor, but has probably injured me.'

"Reflect rather on the benefits which God unceasingly bestows upon you, and remember that all He asks in return is that you be charitable and generous, not to Him, for He has no need of you or your possessions, but to your neighbor, whom He has recommended to your love."