Cardinal Levada’s glossary defines charity, or love, as the theological virtue of loving God above all else for His sake and loving our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God.
According to Paul, love is considered the greatest of the theological virtues: “So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Cor. 13:13).
Spiritual love is a unique concept that enables us to form deep connections with others, thoughts, and sacred entities. This form of love is not based on our emotions towards others, but rather on our connection to the Divine. It brings about a profound sense of peace, joy, and contentment derived from the understanding that we are all part of something much greater than ourselves. Through experiencing spiritual love, we establish a connection with the divine and develop a clearer perception of the beauty within ourselves and others.
John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
The spiritual concept of love involves feeling connected, protected, and accessible.
In spiritual love, parties feel they are on an equal level, with no pressure to outdo or compete with each other. This mutual respect and support enhance trust in the relationship.
In spiritual love, there is a deep level of trust that allows parties to be completely honest with each other without fear of judgment and this honesty strengthens the bond and fosters vulnerability and openness.
In a spiritually connected relationship, parties become each other’s sanctuary, offering a safe space for them to be themselves without fear of rejection. This mutual support and comfort create a strong emotional connection.
Spiritual connection brings a profound understanding and compassion for each other, fostering a sense of unity and shared values. Disagreements are approached with empathy and forgiveness.
A Deeper Intimacy Spiritual love transcends physical and emotional intimacy, focusing on a deep connection and spiritual union based on respect, understanding, and honoring each other’s essence.
True spiritual connection values inner beauty and unconditional love, fostering faithfulness and loyalty even in the face of challenges.
The connection between dogs and their owners is commonly described as deeply emotional and can be seen as a form of connection, although labeling it as “spiritual” may vary depending on personal views. Scientific studies have examined the emotional bond between dogs and humans, showing that interacting with dogs can boost oxytocin levels, linked to bonding and affection.
Additionally, the companionship and emotional support offered by dogs has been proven to positively impact human mental and emotional well-being. Scientific research often centers on observable behaviors and physiological responses, like changes in hormone levels and brain activity. Research indicates that dogs can exhibit empathy towards their owners and can grasp human emotions to some degree, which contributes to the strong relationship between them and their owners. While the spiritual element of the bond between dogs and their owners may be hard to quantify scientifically, ongoing research continues to reveal the psychological and physiological mechanisms that underlie the powerful emotional bond that many individuals share with their canine companions.
Transcending Human Perspectives Through Cross-Species Communication
Communication between different species holds a unique power due to the inability to connect in the same way we do with fellow humans. Human relationships are typically built on shared experiences and the ability to relate to one another on a personal level. While this is essential for fostering connections and understanding, it can also limit our perspectives. Interacting with animals provides a distinct opportunity to expand our consciousness beyond human boundaries, allowing us to appreciate and embrace differences.
This expansion of awareness can lead to personal growth and a deeper spiritual understanding. By opening ourselves to the experiences of other species, we can move closer to spiritual fulfillment. Limiting our interactions to only those within our kind can hinder our ability to comprehend the interconnectedness of all life and to cultivate true compassion.
Spiritual practices across various traditions encourage us to cultivate empathy and understanding towards others. This ongoing process of opening our hearts and minds is fundamental to spiritual development. Animals can serve as spiritual guides in numerous ways, offering insights into mortality, influencing our ethical development, improving our overall well-being, and enhancing our capacity for love and joy.
In moments of profound connection, boundaries dissolve, and individuals can experience a profound sense of unity with all forms of life, transcending the distinctions of “self” and “other.” Through such encounters, some may perceive a divine presence, recognizing the interconnectedness of all existence.
I can tell you this, when I looked into the eyes of my Gabby, I experienced timeless calm, and unparalleled selfless love, Distinctions faded away a profound unity with the entirety of existence. Freed from the confines of “otherness, “I felt as if I had glimpsed the divine within the gaze of a dog.
Needless to say, we miss him tremendously. Songs pop in my head that I need to translate and without fail, the meanings are profound. Difficult to understand the Cathechism 2418 ‘It is contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly. It is likewise unworthy to spend money on them that should as a priority go to the relief of human misery. One can love animals; one should not direct to them the affection due only to persons.’ For us, love is from God and can’t be parsed as such. Good thing I am not a priest.