17th Sunday after Pentecost: Another Abbot, More Wise Words

We soaked up the wisdom of a holy Abbot last Sunday, so on this 17th Sunday after Pentecost, let's keep it going - this time with Abbot Columba Marmion, O.S.B.

O.S.B stands for Order of Saint Benedict. And, of course, we have dedicated a lot of time and attention to the Rule of St. Benedict over the years. Abbot Marmion is but one shining example of many of those who have followed in St. Benedict's footsteps.

Growing up, the term "role model" wasn't popular. "Example" was the preferred term used by our parents and teachers when it came to those whom we could and should emulate. Along with finding and following good examples, we were urged to provide good example to others. How serious did we take this constant teaching? Well, it could vary a lot - human nature being what it is. But having the consistent message helped.

It may be tempting to think that an Abbot couldn't be an appropriate example for us non-monks. After all, they live in a monastery, with their primary duties associated with seeing to it that his monks remain faithful in their duties, with all charity. And the life of a monk can be in so many ways so different than our own; on the other hand, as we've seen over the years, not as much as we might think at first. Indeed, the Rule of St. Benedict which has guided both Abbots and their monks for centuries, has proven a real treasure trove of advice for all of us, no matter our state in life.

So with this in mind, we confidently consider today words written by one of those holy Abbots who have graced our world, this one in the late 19th and early 20th century. He is likely writing to one of his "spiritual children," that is someone who comes to him for spiritual direction. As was common (Is it today?) direction could be provided through letters. And that's what we have here.  

 

  “I have read your letter attentively in the presence of God, and I am quite convinced that you are called by God to a high union with Him. Your present state of soul bears all the marks of one of those interior trials or passive purifications through which the soul must pass before attaining to union with Infinite Purity. The Holy Ghost says, ‘Blessed is the man who is tempted,’ and St. James adds, ‘Beloved, be filled with great joy when you pass through various temptations.’ Those against Faith and Hope are the most distressing, and a real agony, but most salutary. The secret subconscious longing for God is a sure sign of the presence of the Holy Ghost in your soul, it is a vision of God’s beauty in the darkness of faith, but just as the beatific vision, which the soul of Jesus always enjoyed, did not diminish His agony nor prevent His soul being sad even unto death, so with yours. It is your purgatory, and Our Lord is holding your soul in those flames until all selfishness and self-seeking are burned out, then you will enter into the ineffable grandeur of God.

“The very nature of the trial through which you are passing is the terrible uncertainty it leaves in the soul as to her state. She seems to herself to have lost faith and love for she feels nothing. It is pure, naked faith. This longing for God is a most powerful and constant prayer, for God reads the inmost thoughts of our hearts, and this thirst for Him is a way to His Father’s Heart. ‘Thy ear hath heard the desire of the poor, and no one is poorer than those who are serving God in the trials of pure faith. So now courage! You are on the right road and all you require is great patience and absolute confidence in Our Lord’s loving care. You are very dear to Him though you may imagine the contrary. He wants you to see for yourself how really miserable and unworthy you are, and that it is His sheer mercy which thus clasps you to His Heart. During all eternity God will give Himself to you in the full and unremitting blaze of His beauty. Here below His glory requires that He be served in faith. Let us try and serve Him in faith, just as if we gazed on Him in vision.” (Abbot Columba Marmion, O.S.B.)

Happy 17th Sunday after Pentecost!