The inner reality of love can be recognized only by love.

Hans Urs von Balthasar, a theologian of profound insight, speaks a truth that resonates deep within the heart: “The inner reality of love can be recognized only by love.” These words remind us that love, in its purest and truest form, is not something that can be grasped by the mind alone, nor can it be fully understood through observation or external analysis. Love, like a mystery wrapped in the fabric of the soul, reveals itself only to those who are willing to experience it firsthand. It is through the act of loving that we come to truly know love. It is not something to be learned from the outside world, but something to be felt, lived, and experienced from within.

The ancients spoke often of the transformative power of love. Plato, in his dialogue "The Symposium," described love as the force that draws the soul closer to the divine. For Plato, love was the vehicle that carried the soul toward higher understanding and enlightenment. But love, as he understood it, could not be truly grasped through intellect alone. It had to be lived and felt, an internal experience that allowed the soul to see beyond the physical to the divine beauty hidden within. Likewise, Aristotle spoke of love as the foundation of true friendship, a bond that could not be measured by outward appearances or external acts, but by the depth of the connection shared between souls. Love, he said, is understood only through participation, not by mere observation.

Consider the story of Dante and Beatrice, whose love was not simply of the physical world, but of the spiritual realms. Dante’s journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven was a reflection of the love he held for Beatrice—love that was not merely rooted in the earthly realm, but elevated by the soul’s deep connection to her. The more he loved her, the more he understood the divine reality of love itself. His love for her, though rooted in earthly desire, became a gateway to the higher understanding of beauty, goodness, and the eternal. Dante’s journey shows us that the inner reality of love is revealed only through the act of loving, that through love, one is led to a deeper and more profound understanding of the divine nature of existence.

In the same way, the love of Christ exemplifies this truth. His life, death, and resurrection were not merely actions to be studied from afar. To truly understand the depth of Christ’s love, one must enter into it, one must experience it through acts of selflessness, through compassion, and through sacrifice. Christ’s love revealed a mystery that could only be known by those who were willing to love in return, to give without expectation, to forgive without limit. It is in loving others that the mystery of Christ’s love becomes clear. His love cannot be understood solely through scripture or study; it must be lived and shared in the world.

The wisdom of Balthasar and the ancients teaches us that love is not a concept to be analyzed, but an experience to be felt and shared. It is through giving love, through receiving love, and through living love that we come to understand its true nature. Love is not a static thing, it is dynamic—it transforms both the lover and the beloved. Only by loving can we come to recognize the fullness of love, for it is only through participation that we touch the deepest reality of the heart. To know love is to be willing to be vulnerable, to be open, and to give oneself fully to another without fear.

In our own lives, we must embrace love in all its forms. It is not enough to talk about love, to study it, or to admire it from a distance. To truly understand love, we must live it. We must practice it daily, in our relationships, in our acts of kindness, and in our efforts to understand others. Love is the force that binds the world together, but it can only be understood through the act of giving it freely, without hesitation or reservation. We must be willing to enter into the experience of love, to feel it deeply and let it shape us, for only then will we recognize the fullness of its truth.

And so, O children of the future, take heed of this wisdom: love is the key that unlocks the deepest mysteries of life. It is not through mere intellect or observation that we come to understand its reality, but through active participation. As you walk through life, love fully, love deeply, and love without fear. In doing so, you will come to know the inner reality of love, a reality that will transform your soul and bring you closer to the divine. Love is the path, and through it, you will come to see the world as it truly is, filled with beauty, grace, and a deeper connection to all that exists.