Fifteenth Meditation

(Ascent of Mount Carmel, book II: chapter 10-11)

"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, indeed it cannot; and those who are in the flesh cannot please God." (32)


Spilled Light

The light of heaven sometimes spills
Over and dazzles the senses;
The vessel of the soul first fills,
Before the flesh advances.

The glitter of vision and scent
Enrapts the senses in wonder;
The heart, enthralled in enjoyment,
Can drag her spirit asunder.

Though scent and vision may abound,
She keeps her focus deep within;
With both feet planted on the ground,
Humility shields her from sin.

From His light, her spirit receives;
Her humble soul, by faith, believes.

32. Romans 8:5-8




(c) Paul Buis, 2003