In this Epistle, quite sweet to all whose hearts have the palate for savoring Gods bread, most worthy of being remembered by Gods holy Church, it is charity that is most especially commended. John has spoken many words, and almost all of them are about charity. Anyone who possesses the charity that enables him to hear will surely rejoice at what he hears. For him this reading will be like oil upon a flame; if there is something there to be nourished, it is nourished and grows and remains. For others it has to be like a flame to fuel: if it does not yet burn, let it be kindled by the added sermon. In some what is there is nourished; in some what is lacking is enkindled, so that we may all rejoice in one charity. And where there is charity, there is peace. (Augustine on I John, Prologue ; PL 35, 1977)