Hope and Contemplation

Miriam Hogan, O.C.D.


How might a modern contemplative view the concept of hope? We are all very familiar with the political aspects of the term as it is expressed positively or negatively in our daily newspapers. In this article however, I would like to very briefly explore some aspects that might apply to our spiritual lives and in particular our life in Carmel.


John of the Cross


In the Ascent of Mount Carmel, St. John of the Cross has many references to hope. Following the theology of his time he describes it as being one of the three theological virtues (faith, hope, charity) and notes that especially in the beginning of the spiritual life it is the desire for God and the trust that this desire can be attained that "puts the memory in darkness and emptiness as regards all earthly and heavenly objects." (Bk. II Chap 6:3)

In The Spiritual Canticle and The Living Flame of Love, we simply do not find many places where hope is mentioned. The Dark Night however, includes a number of biblical references and images especially in Book II, Chapter 21. John notes that St. Paul calls hope the helmet of salvation (1 Thes. 5:8). Further, in contrast to the darkness, emptiness, dryness, and annihilation of the affections and appetites of the will, we have the soul described as being clothed in the vivid colors of the theological virtues.1


This greenness of living hope in God imparts such courage and valor and so elevates the soul to the things of eternal life that in comparison with these heavenly hopes, all earthly things seem, as they truly are, dry, withered, dead, and worthless.


Teresa of Jesus


In the writings of St. Teresa we find that she doesn't use the word hope very frequently. Yet, in the Interior Castle she reminds us that the rule of Carmel says, "to strive to live always in silence and hope." (III:2, 13) Also, we note with interest, that the authors of the Catechism of the Catholic Church which was published post Vatican II, use a quote from her work in the section on hope.

 

 

Hope, O my soul, hope. You know neither the day not the hour. Watch carefully, for everything passes quickly, even though your impatience makes doubtful what is certain, and turns a very short time into a long one. Dream that the more you struggle, the more you prove the love that you bear your God, and the more you will rejoice one day with your Beloved, in a happiness and rapture that can never end. (Excel. 15:3, # 1821)


A Reality Check

Presently, in Carmel as a whole, there are many monasteries that are understaffed and on the verge of closing. In fact, due in a large part to the sexual abuse scandals many people are leaving the church. We continue to hear about the closing of parishes, schools and other institutions. Also, there is a growing shortage of clergy and in a number of places, it is becoming more difficult to simply be a Catholic and to practice the faith. Where is this all leading and how do we understand hope to be at work in our lives?

One might suggest that just as the grace and presence of God was in the founding and growth of these institutions, God is also present in our closing and letting go. In fact, it is our embracing God's presence, no matter what the external circumstances present, that gives us joy, in the midst of what may look like decline and failure.2


Poem of Sr. Josette


Some of the most powerful words that I know of concerning personal death/resurrection are expressed in a poem by Sr. Josette, OCD. It was written when her dear friend Sr. Magdalen of Jesus, OCD, was failing both mentally and physically. One might expect the poem to be nice, smooth, gentle and comforting. But Magdalen knew what it was to spend hours in prayer with Mary the Sorrowful Mother beneath the Cross of Jesus. Transformation and exaltation had become part of the core of her being.

The first four stanzas of the poem begin with the phrase "Burn your beauty” and the fifth stanza with "Rocket your beauty." Then, affirming the presence of hope the poem ends:

 

 

 

...But hope defines beauty by poverty
and makes time a sieve
through which your beauty
to be mirrored in His power
now marrowed in your weakness.

________

1Describes the colors that the soul wears: faith - white, hope - green, charity - red whereas God is seated upon a throne of purple.

2 During a visit to the Sisters of Mercy retirement home, I started to choke because of the heat and dryness in the room. One of the older Sisters noticed and insisted that person in charge of the drink cart in the hall stop and give me some water. The older sister could not even remember her superiors name, or perhaps even her own name at times, but it was clear that she had embodied the charism of Mercy. Reflecting upon this simple event, the ejaculation that comes to mind is "Praised be Jesus Christ..."

 

 

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