Quick translation of the Karmel newsletter, , p.3 (scan).from Sean Johnson's post, a few ideas about the contemplative life, sorely needed in this war-torn world, =godless and materialistic.
https://www.cathinfo.com/sspx-resistance-news/french-carmelites-join-the-resistance/The Best Part
Shines in our hearts today the ineffable glow of the Morning Star (Stella Matutina)! All creation is influenced by the splendor of the Blessed Virgin who, like a ray of light, rises to the highest of the heavens! 'Veneranda Nobis Hujus Diei', said the prayer on this feast of the Assumption. In fact, this day is venerable for us, because by contemplating Mary, body and soul assumed to the celestial glory, we realize how perfect is the joy of those who love God !
The Gospel of today, according to our rite, presents the figure of two women, both of whom are figures of the Church: Martha, 'Satagebat circa frequens ministerium; Maria Sedens Secus Domini'. Here, two attitudes are described: while one serves, another is seated. Serving is good. Sitting is better. To serve, it is to come out of oneself to give to another. To sit down is to come out of oneself to be with God. It is not the posture of the lazy or arrogant who sit in front of their own ego, but the posture in the presence of the Lord. Like the one who found peace: 'Sub Umbra Illius Quem Desideraveram Sedi' (Cant. 2,3) is the stability enjoyed by the blessed in heaven!
However, one of the characteristics of the disease that strikes the Church today is that it has become too worldly, militant and 'engaged in the world'. As important as Martha's part is, the other part is better because it represents the future life. It is precisely for this reason that this Gospel applies perfectly to the feast of the Assumption! Marie, (more than the other Mary, sister of Martha) chooses to be with the Lord! Today, She is sitting forever in front of Him! All things can be good or even important, but one thing is really necessary: God! Even after death, everyone must come to this conclusion! Our Lady is raised above the angels because, of her free will, She chose to be with God, more perfectly than any angel or person. Our monastery looks at Mary today and admires her perfect spiritual quest... Only one thing is necessary: understanding this is only possible for those who believe that they are heavenly citizens! Mary was constantly ascending! The Assumption was only a consequence of a continuous movement of her soul to be 'Seu Domini' (with the Lord) , to be contemplative! Mary favoured the future life and wanted to remain Virgin and Poor. She favoured Heaven more than the earth: her eyes turned to eternal things, She was not attached to material things, because the figure of this world passes (I Cor 6.31). Notre-Dame, give us a little of this joy reserved for those who choose the best part!
Rev. Father Jacques de Saint Joseph
Topic: German Resistance Carmelite Nuns (Read 693 times)