We often want to "set up booths." When we feel good with God, in some "spiritually comfortable" setting, in a community, in a monastery, in the Church... We think it is very...
We often want to "set up booths." When we feel good with God, in some "spiritually comfortable" setting, in a community, in a monastery, in the Church... We think it is very proper and pious to want always to be here.
Little Therese of Lisieux wrote:
"To live by love is not to set up booths,
Even after climbing Mount Tabor:
It is to go toward Your voice that calls,
To look at the Cross without turning one's gaze away."
When we want to "set up booths," we want to stop, to get stuck in spiritual experiences that are pleasant to us, to keep them for ourselves. At times we need this; spiritual rest is necessary. Jesus took with Him onto the mountain those who would have to be with Him in the garden of Gethsemane. He wants us to go farther, so that we do not seek the experience of His presence, but always and everywhere live as if we were on Mount Tabor, even when we do not feel and do not see the light of Tabor. This light must be within us.
We may never again experience this joy of the Transfiguration, but it is enough for us to know what awaits us ahead, and Who awaits us on our path, at times heavy and thorny. But He walked a more difficult path, and He, our God, wants us to follow Him.
9