Contemplation

From a sermon by Saint Bernard, abbot:

"The first stage of contemplation, my dear brothers, is constantly to consider what God wants, what is pleasing to Him, and what is acceptable in His eyes. We all offend in many things; our strength cannot match the rectitude of God's will, being neither one with it nor wholly in accord with it; let us then humble ourselves under the powerful hand of the Most High God and be concerned to show ourselves unworthy before His merciful gaze, saying: Heal me, Lord and I shall be healed; save me and I shall be saved. And again, Lord, have mercy on me; heal my soul because I have sinned against you.

Once the eye of the soul has been purified by such considerations, we no longer abide within our own spirit in a sense of sorrow, but abide rather in the Spirit of God with great delight. No longer do we consider what is the will of God for us, but rather what it is in itself. For our life is in His will. Thus we are convinced that what is according to His will is in every was more advantageous and fitting for us. And so, concerned as we are to preserve the life of our soul, we should be equally concerned, insofar as we can, not to deviate from His will."

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching