"A certain man was steeped in divine consolation and at the same time abandoned by all creature-comfort, He said to himself: "Ah my heart, why all this interior rejoicing?"
His heart answered: "Nothing in this world affords me joy, neither wealth, nor honor, nor friends, nor pleasure. My joy consists in the knowledge that God is so good and that this gracious good is my friend. In him I place my entire confidence."
I write this to you so that you will long for this good with great desire. Willingly join the company of Eternal Wisdom, and your difficulties will be quickly transformed into golden crowns of eternal bliss.
Do not hesitate because so few people follow the narrow way and so very many follow in th paths of self-gratification. Do not let this quench your eagerness. Keep before your eyes the devout example of the saints. they despised everything the world offered and aspired for heaven.
Now they shine in the celestial firmament like bright morning stars. Follow them. Imitate them. The world is getting old, love is getting cold, the fair roses of holy devotion are beginning to wilt. There are many more sharp thorns than white lilies.
Therefore, fair roses of the spiritiual life, remain firm; surround yourselves with thorns against the encroachments of creatures, hide yourselves from the world. Open your hearts and desires to the fresh springtime dew of the heavenly sun, so that you will understand what he desires of you." ~ Blessed Henry Suso 1366
Hidden in the coastal cliffs,
Kerrie
*photos~ 1.Neamt Monastery, 4.Heaven and Haven, 3.The Holy Monastery of St. Nicholas, 5.Jenny Sun Photography, 2.Ostrog Monastery Serbia Montenegro, 6.Saint Briget, 7.People Monastery
