Three
Reconciliation as Miraculous Renovation
“Rebuilt”
It is so dizzying a descent
As the wobbling structure is dashed
The familiar fabric is rent
Precious possessions are smashed
No trusty compass to orient
Just a pole to which I am lashed
Until the night storm is spent
And the firebird arises from ash
“’Behold, I make all things new.’” (Rev 21:5)
Phase: Illuminative (strong currents of Purgative)
Breathe in:
Beatitude: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Mt 5:7)
Gift of the Holy Spirit: Counsel
Deadly Sin overcome: Sloth
Lively Virtue developed: Zeal for the mission
Breathe out:
Beatitude (and the addiction which it corrects): “Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Mt 5:4) (addiction to good feelings)
Gift of the Holy Spirit: Knowledge
Deadly Sin overcome: Envy (e.g., resentment)
Lively Virtue developed: Contentment (e.g., readiness to suffer for love)
Sacrament: Holy Orders
The Lord’s Prayer: “As we forgive those who trespass against us”
Sign from Gospel of John: Walking on Water
Teresian mansion: Third chamber
Sanjuanist level: Passive Night of the Senses
This free gift is “sanctifying grace.” It perfects our nature with the gift of a life, an intellection, a love, a mode of existence infinitely above its own level. If a man were to arrive even at the abstract pinnacle of natural perfection, God’s work would not even be half done: it would be only about to begin, for the real work is the work of grace and the infused virtues and the gifts of the Holy Ghost.
The Still Point 