First Meditation

(The Dark Night, book I: chapter 1)

"We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life. For if we have grown into union with him through a death like his, we shall also be united with him in the resurrection. We know that our old self was crucified with him, so that our sinful body might be done away with, that we might no longer be in slavery to sin…If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. Consequently, you too must think of yourselves as (being) dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus." (1)


His Parental Love

In dying to self and all things,
Her soul had fled by way of night;
This dark purification brings,
Escape from sense and appetite.

Devil, flesh and world couldn't touch
Her soul enrapt in the Divine;
He holds her with a steadfast clutch --
Spirit with spirit intertwine.

His love yields life with peace and joy:
Her love for Him drew her away,
From all that could rot and destroy --
He shielded her from sure decay.

In looking back from whence she came,
She marvels at His tender care:
His gentle touch and loving flame,
Preparing her for perfect prayer.

From nursing tot to child grown,
She grew through the unseen unknown.


May the tender love of God draw us to Himself through the night of purification.

1. Romans 6:4-6,8,11


(c) Paul Buis, 2004