|
|
THE ADORNMENT OF THE SPIRITUAL
MARRIAGE (cont) |
|
|
by Blessed John of Rusybroeck |
|
|
THE SECOND BOOK |
|
9. Of Unity of Heart |
|
Of this ardour there springs unity of heart; for we cannot achieve
true unity unless the Spirit of God blows to a flame His fire in
our hearts. For this fire makes one with itself and like to itself
all that it can master and re-shape.
Unity is this: that a man feel himself to be gathered together
with all his powers in the unity of his heart. Unity brings inward
peace and restfulness of heart. Unity of heart is a bond which
draws together body and soul, heart and senses, and all the
outward and inward powers and encloses them in the union of love.
|
10. Of Inwardness |
From this unity springs inwardness; for none can be inward save
him who is gathered together in unity within himself. Inwardness
means that a man is turned within, into his own heart, that
thereby he may understand and feel the interior workings, and the
interior words of God. Inwardness is a sensible fire of love,
which the Spirit of God has blown to a flame, and which urges a
man from within; and he knows not whence it comes nor what has
befallen him.
|
11. Of Sensible Love |
From inwardness there springs a sensible love, which fulfills the
man's heart and the desirous power of the soul. This yearning
love, and this sensible fruition of the heart, none can have save
he who is inward of heart.
Sensible love is a yearning and savouring delight which we feel in
God as the eternal Good, wherein are all other goods. Sensible
love forsakes all creatures as regards pleasure, not as regards
need. Inward love feels itself moved from within by the Eternal
Love; and this it must ever cherish. Inward love easily foregoes
and despises all things that it may obtain that which it loves.
|
12. Of Devotion |
Of this sensible love is born devotion to God and to His glory.
For none can have within his heart the hunger of devotion save him
who bears within himself a sensible love of God. Where the fire of
love sends up the flames of its desire to heaven, there is
devotion. Devotion moves and draws a man, both from without and
from within, towards the service of God. Devotion makes body and
soul to blossom in nobility and worth before God and before all
men. Devotion is demanded of us by God in every service which we
ought to do to Him. Devotion purifies the body and the soul of
everything that can stop and hinder us. Devotion shows and bestows
the right way at blessedness.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|