Abbey-Roads2

We don’t understand heaven…

I was thinking of this at prayer this morning, and then I read a reflection on Don Marco’s blog, which reminded me of something I’ve become very convinced of - our lack of understanding as regards heaven and holiness.

“I have to tell you, little brother, that we don’t understand Heaven in the same way. You think that, once I share in the justice and holiness of God, I won’t be able to excuse your faults as I did when I was on earth. Are you then forgetting that I shall also share in the infinite mercy of the Lord?” - St. Therese to her friend Maurice. - Vultus Christi

Therese understood heaven and holiness,  because she was completely humble - thus she understood something of the unfathomable, merciful love of God.

Annihilation.

I often recall the words of St. John of the Cross:  “Oh, who can make this counsel of our Saviour understandable, and practicable, and attractive that spiritual persons might become aware of the difference many of them think is good and that which ought to be used in traveling this road!” - Ascent, Book II:5

St John is referring to Christ’s command: “If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself…etc.”   Further on, St. John seems to cry out,  “Oh, who can explain the extent of the denial our Lord wishes of us!  This negation must be similar to a complete temporal, natural and spiritual death…”  - Ascent, Bk. II:6

I believe St. John is so vehement here, because he himself experienced this annihilation  and death, which is necessary for the Holy Spirit to purify and possess the soul, bringing it into conformity with Christ.

“Unless the grain of wheat… dies.”

I’m convinced that for many of us, it is only when we are brought to nothing do we begin to understand God and heaven, justice and mercy, peace and truth - only then can we understand what the psalmist meant when he prayed:  “Justice and peace have embraced, mercy and truth have kissed.” - Psalm 84:11  (Which for me, is the meaning of the Cross - the intersection of these four things; justice and peace, mercy and truth.)

Until this happens, how much time many of us waste, judging our brothers and sisters, arguing about religion and piety, mocking and sneering at those who do not believe as we believe.   Very often, considering ourselves better than another.  Many times, deceiving ourselves that we are seeking God and his glory, when in effect, we are seeking ourselves.

“Et ego ad nihilum redactus sum et nescivi” - Psalm 73

22 and I am brought to nothing, and I knew not

23 I am become as a beast before thee: and I am always with thee

24 Thou hast held me by my right hand; and by thy will thou hast conducted me, and with thy glory thou hast received me.

25 For what have I in heaven? and besides thee what do I desire upon earth? - Psalm 73

When we understand our own nothingness and the immensity of the mercy of God, we can no longer condemn one another, and we begin to begin  living authentic Christian lives.

(I’m afraid I haven’t expressed this very well, but someone may understand what I am trying to say.) 

[Photo credit: Confraternity of Penitents.]