Chapter 8, Enthusiasm Summary

On the day following the wedding festival Petrus and Paulo sit fishing. Paulo asks to learn more about agape but Petrus says agape is something to be experienced, not discussed. Petrus states that if luck is on their side things will fall into place so that Paulo can live the definition of agape.

As night descends the two men come upon a small building, which Petrus seems to know. The guide calls out a name but receives no answer. Petrus suggests they go inside anyway to wait. Inside Petrus begins to talk about the two manifestations of agape. The monk who lives in the hermitage is named Alfonso, and he exhibits the purest form of agape. Petrus explains that agape is total, consuming love such as Jesus had for humanity.

Most pilgrims experience the second form of agape—enthusiasm. Petrus...