Motivation and Love

Fray Jorge Orcullo Zafra, Jr. OSA

T
here are realities in life that we avoid to confront, questions we immediately
dodge away, and truths we cannot easily accept. However, in a society at large
or even in a small community where we are, these realities are unfortunately
inevitable yet very essential. Thus, they must be faced, they must be asked, and they
must be accepted as part and parcel of our growing. The best example would be the
realities we know of ourselves, the questions that are hurled to us, and the answers we
get from those who look at us. In the seminary, one of the most intriguing questions we
must ask ourselves is the very issue of Motivations, that is, the very reason, the very
main purpose, or the very possible intention why we allow ourselves to continue living
this kind of life.

A. Motivation
Ethically speaking, we know very well that all our actions presuppose a certain
motive and consequence. Take this example, “I will pursue my vocation because I want
to serve my fellowmen and ultimately to God.” Suffice it to say, motivations are why-
questions. Why do you want to become a priest or a religious? Motivations are
inextricably tied up with consequences. We are motivated to do a certain action
because of something.
B. Love
Theologically speaking, we, as the militant church, are striving to reach our goal,
the Beatific Vision promised to us by God. Thus, we are expected to live life through a
good sense of faith and work. For our Holy Father St. Augustine, in order to experience
a Beata Vita, the primacy of love must be present in all our actions. Love is at the center
of Augustinian Morality. St. Augustine defines a community as “an association of
rational beings united by a unanimous agreement upon the things they love.” What then
do you love? St. Augustine says: “My weight is my love.” It brings us to closer to God.
Love moves a person to somebody or something. Love attracts person to person. Love
motivates. Our motivation then must be Love in its most profound sense. Moreover, St.
Augustine further explains: “Love alone differentiates human beings, for only love
differentiates human actions. We are to observe not what people say, but their deeds
and heart. The reason why love distinguishes the person from another is that a person
is what he or she loves.” Love, therefore is in congruence with our motivations. Love
must be our motivation.
C. Motivation is Love
St. Augustine emphasizes this love when he said: “For you I am a Bishop BUT
with you I am a Christian.” He is rapt with a flaming heart for others. He is a man of love.
“Love bears all things, endures all things, believes all things (Cor. 13:7-8).” As a
summary, the conjunction “but” means taking risks. St. Augustine took the risks. They
say that to love is to risk not being loved in return. Love is the greatest risk in the world.
St. John Chrysostom says “For nothing so much wins love as the knowledge that one’s
lover desires most of all to be himself loved.” Nevertheless, take the risk of loving for
only those who take the risks are free. So, love, for God is Love and He will set you
free!