The Nature of Love - Some Clarification

I have thought in depth about what I have written previously on the nature of love, and have not been greatly pleased. For a basic outline it may be adequate, yet I was and remain concerned about how such writing may be perceived by others. Those two reflections must not and cannot be understood as stand alone features, but must be read in the light of my other writings on theology and the spiritual life. In case one day my writings are dissected by Popes and Ecumenical Councils (I say in jest), I must issue some elucidation on this most important question.
First of all, with Saint Thomas, I make a distinction between the natural will and the deliberate will. All of us as human persons have certain implicit desires that long to be fulfilled. All men without exception desire the perpetuation of a happy life and wish for the Good and Truth, yet in such a condition after the Fall, distortions frequently occur. No man desires evil, but sighs for the Good, for Truth and for blessedness. In sin, it is not that the ‘corruption’ that is sought after but what good remains. As a result of the Fall, man’s capacity to reason clearly and desire purely are seriously damaged. The will is vitiated, the intellect is darkened and man fumbles in the darkness. Such holy longings for the Supreme Good remain as potentialities, requiring the impulse of divine grace to bring about a delight in the mind so the ‘captive will’ can be liberated and perform a salutary act. Without this divine initiative, man is unable to discern the divine traces in creation and rise above to Him Who is Love of His essence. Free will on its own can do nothing apart from sin.
The heights of love we are called to, that I have spoken of recently, occur only because of the gracious mercy and operation of the Blessed Trinity, in particular the Incarnation of the Logos and His Supreme Oblation on the Cross. From the pierced side of Christ flow all graces necessary to bring us to sanctity and a share in the divine nature. Those who are saved and exalted are so, simply because of this Offering, which Holy Mother Church renews daily in the Mass, applying the merits to the souls of her children. Love finds its fulfilment in Christ who suffered excruciating torments so that we may have life and have it in abundance.

Without existing in a state of grace, man cannot be acceptable to God; his longings for love will be distorted and will rest upon some apparent good but will fall short of God, Who is Love truly.