Opening our Hearts to the Word
This is where his doctrine gets tough. He observes that when we study the life of Christ we discover that the Lord renounced every satisfaction that was not purely for the honor and glory of God. Saint John of the Cross believes we can enter into deep intimacy with the Lord if we will resolve to do only that which gives God glory and honor – which means renunciation of any delight or comfort which does not give glory to God.
The Eternal Word communicates everlasting life – wounding, slaying and raising us up all at once. Whoever He touches, by word and sacrament, by inspiration and presence, He wounds. The Word who was wounded for the sake of love wounds us with love. A soul so wounded wants to live by love and to die by love, to make an offering of self in love. This is because a heart wounded by the Word aches to have been loved so much, and aches over how wonderful the One who so loves.
The Bridegroom gives such souls his own Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity to sustain such souls in these noble desires. Anyone who has met the Bridegroom yearns for the wedding feast and for the wonderful things that God has in store for those who believe. For those who ache for love of the Lord, the work of renunciation, of dying to oneself–this is as nothing. What is love if there is no sacrifice and how do we love but at our own expense?
Thanks, this has inspired me to go study and contemplate the Word. God bless, grace flows through you.