Antipathetic Unions

939- Since sympathetic spirits are led to meet one another, why is it that among incarnate spirits affection is frequently only one-sided, and sincere love is received with indifference or even repulsion? Moreover, can’t the liveliest affection between two persons turn into dislike and sometimes hatred?
“Can’t you understand that this may be a punishment, albeit a passing one? Besides, how many are there who think they are deeply in love because they only judge physical appearance, but when obliged to live together they soon realize their judgment had only been based on physical passion? It is not enough to be enamored with someone who pleases you, and whom you suppose to be endowed with beautiful qualities; it is only by living together that you can appreciate each other. On the other hand, how many unions there are that at first seem to be incompatible, but which, in time, as both get to know each other better, are transformed into a tender and lasting love because it is founded on mutual esteem! You must not forget that it is the spirit who loves and not the body, and that once the physical illusion dissipates the spirit sees reality.
“There are two kinds of affection: that of the body and that of the soul, and these are often mistaken for each other. When pure and sympathetic, the affection of the soul is lasting; the affection of the body is perishable. That is why those who believed they loved each other with an eternal love often end up detesting each other when the illusion has vanished.”
940- Isn’t the lack of sympathy between persons destined to live together also a source of suffering that is all the more bitter because it poisons their entire existence?
“Very bitter, in fact. However, it is usually one of those misfortunes of which you yourselves are the main cause. In the first place, simply because your laws are at fault do you believe that God obliges you to live with those you dislike? Moreover, in such unions you almost always seek more to satisfy your pride and ambition rather than to enjoy the happiness of mutual affection. Thus, you suffer the natural consequence of your prejudices.”
– But in such cases isn’t there almost always an innocent victim?
“Yes, and for that one it is a heavy expiation; however, the responsibility for such unhappiness will fall upon the one who has caused it. If the light of truth has reached the soul of the victim, faith in the future will provide consolation. Besides, to the degree that such prejudices are weakened, the causes of these private misfortunes will disappear.”

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