This chapter of the Reed of God 
was fascinating in relating the feeling of loss, even "loss of Christ" to our own lives. On page 111, Caryll Houselander describes the loss of God as "the most universal and most purifying." It reminded me of Mother Theresa suffering her dark night of the soul- as did Saint John of the Cross
and Saint Therese the Little Flower. Never before had I related this time of confusion to our Blessed Mother as she searched for the child Jesus. Houselander had several examples of loss in our daily lives. A convert who is filled with great joy is struck months later realizing that the newness has worn off and complacency taken its place. Our moods are rhythmic and natural as we share in Our Lady's joy and loss. We start a vocation with great passion and purpose, and gradually get caught up in the drudge of daily tasks.
It was helpful to read her account of how this is not only natural, but Biblical and grace-oriented. "It is not a loss but His deliberate going away", she says on page 116. She also points out that this is not unique to individuals, but happens to nations as well. She wrote in the 40's and speaks of England's secularization and loss of Christ. She very well could have written about America.
The absence of supernatural joy on our feast days shows more than anything else that the Divine Child is absent. Christmas is no longer Christ's birthday, except to a few people....Good Friday is a holiday and nothing else...(Pg. 118)
So "we still pray with hope that our Dove will come back to us." (pg. 119)
3 comments:
I am a little behind, but am catching up today!
When I first read this chapter what stuck out to me immediately was feeling the loss as a nation! I feel like it so relevant in what is going on today in America. Especially after reading J's guest post yesterday illustrating why there can not be a true separation of church and state...because our nation was founded on Christian morals.
I also really liked how on page 115 in the paragraph starting with "We were once that pooor man." she demonstrates how with our own increase of wealth and wants we create new "necessitites" and lose what it is that really brings us joy - the presence of Christ.
Finally, I like how she left it with us seeking for the Divine Child as a desire to pursue what is good for us!
Again, I'm late, but here I am!
I really related to the way Houselander talks about, for example, losing a vocation - getting caught up in the extra tasks, or how they overcome us. I have truly experienced this numerous times and so it very relatable.
I was shocked that she was already writing about few people celebrating Christmas for the right reasons - I did not realize it was that long ago that this was going on in Europe (which of course is going on now here in America)
I never would have related this to the "lost Child", but I find this an interesting perspective.
Better late than never right??
I was immediately struck by the first page of this chapter. The very last line on p. 109 left me thinking "when Christ leaves us-He trusts us!" I know that's so hard to realize in the times of darkness of lonliness, but I hope I can remember it next time Christ "leaves me".
The comparison between Mary's words and Jesus' words on p. 111 was breathtaking. Just sit for a minute and put those images in your heard. First of Mary saying "Yes" to Gabriel in a little house with a dirt floor. Then to Jesus sitting on the ground in the garden telling God that His will be done. Picture Mary desperately asking Jesus why He left her. Then picture Jesus pouring out His desperation on the Cross. So very, very similar. So beautiful.
Lots of other snippets underlined in this chapter, but overall I took away from a similar message to Mother Teresa's Come Be My Light. And from St. Ignatius' Spiritual Exercises. God allows the darkness. He allows the times of feeling distant from Him. These times serve as opportunities to grow in holiness, to prove our love to Him, and to show us that He trusts us.
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