Monday, May 27 : John Tauler

When an upright man feels within himself an inclination to possess God, or grace, or whatever it be, then he ought to think very little of the personal satisfaction it may bring him… People who ascribe their bodily and spiritual gifts wholly to God are the only ones capable and worthy of always receiving yet more graces… Children, the case of such people as these is just like the wood of the vine. Outwardly it looks black, dry and useless. To someone who doesn’t look any closer it appears to be good for nothing but to be thrown on the fire and burned. But within, at the centre of that shoot, veins full of life and great strength are concealed which produce fruit more precious and sweet than that of any other wood or tree. So it is, too, with these people, the most loveable of all, who hearts are set on God. Outwardly, in appearance, they are like folk who are perishing: they look like black, dry wood since, on the outside, they are humble and small. These are not people of sweeping phrases, great works and outstanding deeds. They are without external attraction and, in their own opinion, do not shine at anything. But whoever would understand the life-giving vein in their depths where they renounce their own natural selves and where God is their lot and their support: what happiness this knowledge would gain that person!

maronite readings – rosary,team