In St. Catherine of Siena's Dialogue, God tells her that we people owe God love. We sure do. He made us, didn't He? Why He bothers with us is a mystery! Anyway, we don't love God gratuitously, but rather out of duty. Whereas, He loves us gratuitously. How could we love Him that way?
IMHO, we can't love God gratuitously, that's why He gave us neighbors. We have to treat them like we would treat God. IOW, love them without any concern for thanks. Whatever you do for the least of them, you do for ME. John 3: 1-36.
This also brings to mind Father Aniello's prayer:
Help me to love You as You love me. And love my neighbor as Yourself.
Father Aniello Salicone, sx
