Mother Adele Garnier, whose life I am beginning to put into a play, entered the Unitive State after many years. She wrote that the following of the Rule of St. Benedict was a sure way of reaching this state. This phrase is on the wall of the common room in the enclosure to remind all the nuns of the goal of their suffering in and through the Rule-the glory of God through their very beings. How wonderful to be surrounded by women who desire the same thing. Sigh, I wish I could have stayed.
However, on the outside, one sees many nuns, sisters and the clergy leading double lives. The great lie of supposed dialogue with the world, a false statement said over and over for the past fifty years, means that one seemingly does not have to give up the cushy, even middle-class life in order to be holy.
We laity have been deceived on the point, folks. The double life creates a split personality, a split soul.
Either one desires God with all one's soul, mind, heart, or one falls into the cheap lies of the world.
Of course, home, food, family are all goods, gifts from God. But, these can become idols.
The narrow way was spoken of by Christ follows. Pray to Him for His Love.
Enter ye in at the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there are who go in thereat. [14] How narrow is the gate, and strait is the way that leadeth to life: and few there are that find it! [15] Beware of false prophets, who come to you in the clothing of sheep, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Matthew 7:14-15 DR
To be continued...