St. Bernard writes this: "We do not hesitate boldly to proclaim that every soul, if it is vigilant and careful in the practice of all the virtues, can arrive at this holy repose and enjoy the embraces of the Bridegroom."
The embraces of the Bridegroom may mean walking with Christ to Calvary, holding His Cross with Him, like Simon of Cyrene.
When we come to know someone we love, we become like that person. I have seen this in long marriages. The knowledge of self and the knowledge of God move together to create the soil for union with God.
We are like God in three ways, states Bernard, and sometimes he adds a fourth. In simplicity and immortality and in free-will are the main three. The fourth we have lost and must regain, and that is grace.
All sin causes slavery, all sin, even venial sin. Bernard notes that the disordered conscience fears God like a slave would fear a master. This "impedes" the will.
The only way out of this fear is through purgation. The how I have already shared in the past two series on perfection. Now, in this series, I am encouraging my readers to do what is necessary now and no longer put off becoming holy.
A small thing can keep us from holiness, like chocolate, or movies, or thinking of our selves instead of serving others.
Our own wills and self-love stop Christ from wooing us. He will remove Himself and wait......
to be continued...
