Two points reflecting on the life of St Margaret Mary Alacoque...
The first one is more a social aspect but nonetheless rooted in spirituality. This aspect is true of most 'prophets' who are called for a particular purpose, specially to tell his or her fellow people that what they are up to is not the ideal - far from it. The telling part may not be the most challenging part, but the living together, after that, certainly is. So when God tells Mary Alacoque to go and tell the community members and the Church at large that they are to do penance and increase their fervour for the Sacred Heart, it is a challenge. First of all, she certainly was not the eldest in the community. Secondly, not the superior herself. But she has to tell this 'revelation' to all, even those older to her, those who have lived their life in the convent, following the vows for donkeys years. I guess the same must have been true for St Theresa of Child Jesus too. The only exception where a 'prophet' is actually invited to share his wisdom is Daniel, when as a child he is called in to resolve the Susanna dispute. For the rest, beginnings were/are never easy.
The second point is the pivotal role of spiritual direction. In moments of such intense or out of the ordinary experience, to have someone who can direct and help one discern what actually is happening around you, is such a blessing. To be able to live one's daily life imbued by that divine experience, rather than be run over by it, to have someone help you make sense of what is happening to you rather than be totally overwhelmed and lost, is a great help.
The first one is more a social aspect but nonetheless rooted in spirituality. This aspect is true of most 'prophets' who are called for a particular purpose, specially to tell his or her fellow people that what they are up to is not the ideal - far from it. The telling part may not be the most challenging part, but the living together, after that, certainly is. So when God tells Mary Alacoque to go and tell the community members and the Church at large that they are to do penance and increase their fervour for the Sacred Heart, it is a challenge. First of all, she certainly was not the eldest in the community. Secondly, not the superior herself. But she has to tell this 'revelation' to all, even those older to her, those who have lived their life in the convent, following the vows for donkeys years. I guess the same must have been true for St Theresa of Child Jesus too. The only exception where a 'prophet' is actually invited to share his wisdom is Daniel, when as a child he is called in to resolve the Susanna dispute. For the rest, beginnings were/are never easy.
The second point is the pivotal role of spiritual direction. In moments of such intense or out of the ordinary experience, to have someone who can direct and help one discern what actually is happening around you, is such a blessing. To be able to live one's daily life imbued by that divine experience, rather than be run over by it, to have someone help you make sense of what is happening to you rather than be totally overwhelmed and lost, is a great help.
No comments:
Post a Comment