"In its burning desire, the soul becomes not only an agile flame swift to rise: it even transcends itself, entering mystical darkness and ecstasy through a certain wise unknowing."
— St. Bonaventure [born Giovanni di Fidanza] (1217-1274)
Work Title
Date
1257
Metaphor
"In its burning desire, the soul becomes not only an agile flame swift to rise: it even transcends itself, entering mystical darkness and ecstasy through a certain wise unknowing."
Metaphor in Context
7. Of such successive steps is Jacob's Ladder made, with its top reaching to heaven; and the throne of Solomon upon which is seated the King most wise, truly peaceful and full of love, the Bridegroom most fair, who is all delight, upon whom angels desire to look, toward whom holy souls aspire as the hind longs for running waters. In its burning desire, the soul becomes not only an agile flame swift to rise: it even transcends itself, entering mystical darkness and ecstasy through a certain wise unknowing. Wherefore the soul may not only say with the bride, "We will run after Thee to the odor of Thy ointments," but also sing with the prophet: Night shall be my light in my pleasures. Experience alone can tell the wonder of this obscure, delightful light;ccxliv divine grace alone can procure such experience; and those alone who strive for it may receive such grace.
(V.6.7)
(V.6.7)
Categories
Provenance
Reading
Citation
St. Bonaventure, The Breviloquium (Paterson, NJ) <Link to http://www.catholic.uz/>
Date of Entry
01/13/2011
