Pondering over yesterday's post (yes I do ponder my own writings!) it occurred to me that another aspect of the mystical life is continued seeking. Perhaps that is the true definition of purity of heart, a heart that never gives up, that doesn't allow trials or difficulties to dissuade it from its course. Or perhaps true purity of heart comes from always maintaining faith in God regardless of one's circumstances, believing that all we endure will all be brought to some good.
I say this because the journey toward a mystical life takes time. It is a journey one starts out on with great hope and many dreams. And hopes and dreams are always tested by the reality of life. Perhaps true purity of heart comes when we never relinquish these hopes and dreams, when we keep on trusting no matter how black the night becomes, or how difficult the road. Such attitudes deepen the heart, and the mystical life is just that, going deeper into the heart of the soul, principally to find God.
All of our desires and efforts come with a certain hope of self-fulfillment. God would not have promised heaven to us if we could do good just for the sake of doing good. But even our desires for peace or satisfaction with our spiritual life or fulfillment must be tested. In time, if one continues on without giving in to the despondency that comes with doubts and difficulties, you will come to a place where peace, self-fulfillment and even the warm glow that comes from loving God will not be your goal. You will treasure one goodness, the goodness of God, and that will be your principal aim: loving him for himself.
All these thoughts are high and theoretical sounding. And that in spite of the journey being very earthy, very on the ground, and slow. The marvelous reward is the realization that the two are not incompatible, but that such high ideals come through the concrete realization that God has become the most important person in your life. That all your decisions, actions, plans involve a prayer for guidance. That when you seek God, you do find him.
Such are my thoughts today. I hope you find something in them that is helpful.
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