One May 6th in heaven, Anno was talking to God about his life. He recounted how it was on this day that, sitting in prison, the Lord had made known to him via the authorities that he would be sent to Dachau. And the Lord said, “Talk to me, and I will answer you and …
Tag Archives: John of Ruusbroec
Ruusbroec on the Non-Equilibrium of the Spiritual Life
The spiritual writers of the Low Countries of the late Middles Ages are famous for their delicate sense of balance, particularly in contrast with some of the questionable writings that were circulated elsewhere in Europe at that time. Among the gems of the mediaeval Benelux, Blessed John of Ruusbroec has a special place in my …
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The Harvest of the Corn
All the consolations which God ever gave should be gladly given up [if it comes to it], if it be to His glory. This is the harvest of the corn… on which we shall live eternally, and which make us rich in God. Thus the virtues are made perfect, and sorrow is turned to eternal …
The Ant
The ant does not make new paths, but all follow the same way, and, when the time comes, become capable of flight… So too is it with those who live amidst the stirrings of love. They will never make fresh paths or seek unusual ways of acting, but in spite of every tempest they will …
Above Reason, Never Contrary to It
[Christian contemplation is] a knowing which is in no wise, for ever abiding above the reason… above reason, but not contrary to it. Blessed Jan van Ruusbroec (1293–1381)
Ruusbroec and the Dark Night: “Suffer, and He Will Teach You Truth”
I like posting different descriptions of the dark night of the soul given by different Christians from the past. This post is about Blessed Jan van Ruusborec. Like Saint Alphonsus Liguori, he treats of sensible and spiritual desolations and darknesses together. That is, he treats of the dark night of the senses, the first dark …
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Envoys of the Lord
Tribulations and pains are the messengers of the Lord; by them He visits us. If we receive these enjoys with a glad heart, He comes to us Himself. Blessed Jan van Ruusbroec (1293–1381)
The Better Part is but a Part
That One Thing which is needful for all [cf. Lk 11:42] is Divine Love. The better part is an inward life, with loving adherence to God… But there are some foolish people who would be so inward that they would neither do anything nor serve anyone, even in the things of which their neighbour has …
Contemplative in the Mud 