Salesian Literature

Part II:  Salesian Commentary

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B. Inspired Narratives

::   First Narrative   ::   Second Narrative   ::   Third Narrative   ::   Fourth Narrative   ::   Fifth Narrative

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Fourth narrative (7:7)

 

“How beautiful you are…”

To contemplate…

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Sometimes we look at only one of the perfections of God, as for example, his infinite Goodness, without thinking of his other attributes or virtues.

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(It is) like a bridegroom fixing his sight on the beautiful tint of his spouse, who by this means would truly look at all her appearance, seeing that her tint is poured forth on nearly all her parts.  Yet, (he) would be attentive neither to her traits, nor to her grace, nor to the other parts of her beauty…

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Sometimes we are likewise attentive to look at several of the infinite perfections in God, but by one simple sight, without distinction.

(It is) like the one who, by a trait of the eyes, passing his view from the head to the feet of his richly adorned spouse, would have attentively seen all in general and nothing in particular, not knowing exactly to say what necklace or what gown she wore, what countenance she possessed, or what look she had, but only that all was beautiful and agreeable…

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and finally, at other times we do not look at several or only one of the divine perfections, but only (at) some action or divine work to which we are attentive.

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Thus, (it is) like a bridegroom who would not consider the eyes, but only the gentleness of the look which his spouse casts on him.  (He) would not at all consider her mouth, but (only) the sweetness of the words which follow…

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But, in whatever of the three fashions one proceeds, contemplation has always this excellence, that it is made with pleasure, seeing that it presupposes that one has found God and his holy love, which one enjoys and takes delight in, saying:

 

I have found Him whom my soul cherishes;

I have found him, and I will not at all leave him.[1]

 

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[1] Oeuvres, Tome 4, p. 322. Treatise on the Love of God, Book 6, Chapter 6.

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