Virtue 3: Ardent Charity – A Love That Burns Without Burning Out

Blog Series: The 7 Virtues of Mary

In today’s reflection, I’ve been drawn to the image of ardent charity – a love that burns without burning out, a love that is both passionate and enduring, rooted in God rather than striving.

Mary’s charity is a burning love that gives without asking in return. This post explores how to fight selfishness and grow in ardent love through Mary’s example, a pink tulip as a symbol, Scripture, reflection, and prayer to the Holy Spirit.

Introduction to Mary’s Virtue of Ardent Charity – A Love That Burns Without Burning Out

There is a fire that does not destroy. A flame that does not consume. It is the burning love of Mary’s charity—a love that forgets itself, gives without counting, and radiates the warmth of heaven here on earth.

So often our love grows tired, conditional, or heavy with expectations. But Mary teaches us how to love without losing ourselves. In Jung’s words, “Where love rules, there is no will to power; and where power predominates, there love is lacking.” Mary’s charity is the strongest force—not because it controls, but because it liberates.

Alicja Lenczewska wrote:

“True love does not hurt, but heals. It does not consume, but nourishes. It does not demand, but invites.”

“Miłość prawdziwa nie boli, ale leczy. Nie zżera, ale karmi. Nie wymaga, ale zaprasza.”

The Battle: Selfishness vs. Ardent Charity

The enemy of true love is selfishness — often quiet, often unnoticed.

It doesn’t always look like arrogance or pride. Sometimes, selfishness wears the mask of busyness, emotional withdrawal, or the need to be in control. It shows up when we interrupt instead of listen, when we serve for applause, or when we withhold kindness because it’s inconvenient.

It curves the heart inward, making others into background noise for our personal plans.

And yet — real love, ardent charity, curves the heart outward.

Mary’s love is the antidote. Her charity is not transactional; it’s relational, radical, and free. She doesn’t calculate what it will cost her. She goes in haste to serve Elizabeth (Luke 1:39). She welcomes strangers. She offers her very being for the sake of God’s will.

Ardent charity is not just about doing good things — it's about becoming a good space for others to encounter God through you.

Overcoming selfishness begins with:

🌿🌸🌿 By noticing when we expect others to revolve around us.

🌿🌸🌿 By choosing presence over productivity.

🌿🌸🌿 By asking, “Who needs love from me right now — even if I get nothing in return?”

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way... — 1 Corinthians 13:4–5

Mary shows us that love doesn’t need recognition to be powerful. It simply needs to be given.

So let us ask for hearts like hers — open, generous, ablaze with the love that reflects Christ.

“Pink tulips in a vintage suitcase with a sign that says ‘Some people make the world more special just by being in it.’ A soft image of tender love and everyday holiness.”

Flower Symbol: Pink Tulip

Soft yet vibrant, pink tulips speak of a love that is warm, compassionate, and quietly powerful — the kind of love Mary offers to each of us. Their openness reminds us that charity begins with an open heart ready to be poured out for others.

The Scripture:

“My soul magnifies the Lord… He has lifted up the lowly.” Luke 1:46, 52

Charity lifts others—not to raise us, but because love always lowers itself to serve.

Reflection:

What would my love look like if I let go of needing recognition?

Where am I still calculating instead of giving freely?

Mary's charity is not just a feeling—it’s a mission. A vocation to love where it’s least deserved and most needed.

Lenczewska:

“Miłość nie ma granic, jeśli płonie Bogiem.”

“Love has no limits if it burns with God.”

Prayer to Mary and the Holy Spirit:

Mary, Flame of Charity,

teach me how to love like you—without fear, without measure.

Let my heart burn with your tenderness and truth.

Free me from self-love, and lead me into total gift.

Holy Spirit, Divine Fire,

ignite in me a new love, that I may see others as You see them.

Burn away all that is selfish.

Make my heart a home for Your mercy.

Amen.

Chaplet of Virtues

How to Fight Selfishness:

🌿Practice small, hidden acts of kindness with no expectation.

🌿Detach from the need to be noticed or thanked.

🌿Meditate on Christ’s total gift on the Cross.

🌿Ask Mary to re-teach you love: Her way is never harsh, but always full of holy fire.

Join the Journey of Virtue 🌿🌸🌿

As we reflect on the virtues of Mary, let us commit to growing in holiness each day. It’s a journey that requires both patience and perseverance, but with Mary’s example and intercession, we are never alone. I invite you to continue walking this path of transformation, embracing these virtues and letting them guide you closer to God’s will for your life.

What virtue is calling you to grow in today?

👉 Leave a comment below or share your thoughts with us on social media.

Let’s support each other in this journey of faith, as we work together to become whole and holy, just as Mary did. 🌸

Let's continue with Virtue 4, coming soon:

🌸Virtue 4: Profound Humility vs. the Arrogance of Self-Sufficiency

To enrich the topic, I believe you find this post helpful:

The Language of Bouquets: 11 Loves That Make Us Whole