In this excerpt from The Gift of Oneself by Rev. Joseph Schryvers, C.SS.R., the soul reflects on its complete dependence on divine grace. Father Schryvers invites us to abandon ourselves to God’s hidden action, which sanctifies us in ways both powerful and gentle.
Detachment and Holy Liberty
O my God, I am Thine; I love to consider that I am a little child in Thine arms. I lay down all my cares in Thy paternal heart.
I wish to annihilate myself in the consideration of Thy divine power and my extreme weakness. This thought detaches me from myself. It frees me from my solicitude; it establishes in my soul a holy liberty and a courageous trust that is truly filial.
The Power and Mystery of Grace
My Soul, in the work of thy sanctification, thou canst do nothing without the help of grace. Thou canst not even conceive one thought which is meritorious for thy salvation. The grace which is the foundation of thy spiritual life is a pure gift of God. It so far surpasses thy intelligence that thou canst not even understand its action.
The action of grace is hidden, like the source from which it is derived. It comes and goes, and thou dost not know that it has passed. It glides into thy faculties and into their acts, but its operation is mysterious.
When Grace Pours Like a Torrent
Sometimes the action of grace is impetuous, as a torrent. Into the soul it pours floods of light and love. Et torrente voluptatis tuae potabis eos—“And thou shalt make them drink of the torrent of thy pleasure.” (Psalm 35:9). The soul is, as it were, submerged. It cries out with Saint Francis Xavier: “Enough, O Lord, enough! I cannot bear the weight of Thy consolations!” Sometimes grace flows in the soul like still water in a calm river; it bedews the faculties, penetrates into the senses, impregnates the actions. Under its refreshing influence, there is growth, development and prosperity. The soul, like a fertile field, yields an abundant harvest to God.
Thunderous and Gentle Movements
At another time, the action of grace is thunderous, as the rolling of the waves on a storm-lashed sea. It awes the centurion at the foot of the Cross; it chills with terror the guards at the tomb of Christ; it overthrows Paul on the way to Damascus; it conquers the crowds gathered to hear the preaching of the Prince of the Apostles.
Again, its breath is sweet, as that of the zephyr; caressingly it soothes the soul; it lulls it to rest; it raises it and carries it to higher spheres. The soul is comforted, joyous, strengthened. The bosom of God seems to have become its constant dwelling, its reposeful couch. But this vision of joy does not last. Soon the sky is darkened; clouds are heaped up; the smiling face of God is hidden. The soul is left alone, without strength and without counsel; the passions are in revolt; events are contrary; men are persecutors. Adored Master, where art Thou? Wilt Thou let the frail skiff be submerged? No, God is there. He watches; He strengthens Faith, purifies Hope, inflames Love, but in His own divine way.
O Divine Action! Who can unveil thy mysteries? Who can follow thee in thy giant progress? Thou dost traverse the universe; thou treadest the mountains underfoot; thou dost pass through the deserts; the least blade of grass has felt thy passing; everywhere thou dost vivify and warm; thou bringest low and liftest up. Who shall discover thee to our eyes? All creatures serve to veil thee. Thou hidest under appearances which are most common, as well as under those which are most magnificent. O Divine Action, who can flatter himself that he can penetrate Thy mystery, can lay hold of Thee, enclose Thee in concrete forms or regulate Thy course? Thou art in turn a bubbling fountain, a rapid torrent, an impetuous river, a deep sea.
Trust and Abandonment
My Soul, do not seek to sound the depths of divine mystery. It is not for thee to know the operation of God, nor to analyze it. Thy duty is merely not to oppose His action, to open when He knocks at thy door, to receive Him lovingly under whatever disguise He presents Himself.
The action of God is all-powerful; it will sanctify thee. Abandon thyself; love thy God; at all times bless His Holy Name; and leave to Him the task of making thee perfect.
ooo
This article is taken from a chapter in The Gift of Oneself by The Reverend Joseph Schryvers, C.SS.R. which is available from TAN Books.
