See, brothers and sisters, how many things we pass through, things in which there is no end. We use them as if we were on the road, as if we were resting overnight in an inn, and then moving on. Where, then, is the end? Beloved, we are children of God and it has not yet appeared what we shall be: this is what is said in this Epistle. So then, were on the road; whatever place we come to, we have to move on until we reach some end. We know that when it does appear, we shall be like him because we shall see him as he is (I Jn 3:2). Thats the end, there the perpetual praising, there the never-failing Alleluia. The Psalmist speaks of this end: I have seen the end of all perfection, and as if someone asked him, What is the end that you see, he adds: Your exceedingly broad commandment (Ps 118[119]:96). Thats the end: the breadth of Gods commandment. The breadth of the commandment is love, because where there is love, there is no narrowness. The Apostle was in that broad place when he said, Our mouth is open to you, O Corinthians, our heart is stretched; you are not narrowed in us (2 Cor 6:11-12). Thats your exceedingly broad commandment. What is the broad commandment? A new commandment I give you: that you love one another. Love is not narrowed. Do you wish not to be narrowed on earth? Then dwell in the broad place. Whatever someone may do to you does not narrow you because you love what no one can harm. You love God, you love the fellowship, you love Gods law; you love Gods Church; and all of that will be eternal. You labor on earth, but youll attain the promised fruit. (Augustine on I John, Hom. 10, 6; PL 35:2058)