Discourse 33

On the Activity of Divine Love. Chapter 33. Because it is concerning the spiritual perceptions that are above nature. It is fitting to distinguish the time and to extend it. There is a certain power in the luminous one, which from love enters the heart. First, then, without causes of perception, it stirs the foundation of the unmingled primeval substance, or the thought of activity and reflection. And because of this, it appears that there are no causes, as it were, because of the obscurity of that which is still present, to those without experience, thus. But to the perfect, it is revealed after the cause and the reason. With the testing of the cause still, and more subtly than this. Immediately, then, it flies in the heart. And from it, the body is preserved as a receiver, and from it, it sends to the natural powers. Because the heart is placed as a middle between the natural senses and the body, to that one organically, to these naturally. And it is the receiver for both sides, stirring the taste of its activity. Because of it, he also is preserved from the world that is constrained, and he from those of the world. The necessary cause that follows love: it is something warm in its heat. And when it lacks moisture, it falls into affliction, it makes it like a garment for that soul. Because of this, the heart that perceives it cannot be stripped of it and be heated, without heat, even a change is seen in it without habit.

And his signs are perceived spiritually, and he is known by his person. At once his face becomes flushed and his body trembles. Sweat drips from him, and he becomes like crystal. The power of the senses flees from him, and heat and trembling prevail over him. His life is in the flame of his love, as if nothing were amiss, from here in his eyes. Because of this, death, which is mighty over all, has no place for him; the place of refuge is set for him. And yet, his spiritual companion is not deemed worthy to be separated from the hidden one within him, who is fittingly present. The mountain is far off, but he speaks as if it were near. He is hidden from sight, yet his known hiddenness shines forth. His vision is natural and subdues perception. By his actions, he is like one who is inflamed at his sight. He dwells alone, yet the thought is recognized as if with others, and it astonishes. In this passion, the martyrs were intoxicated; around him, the apostles went throughout the whole earth, while they were in ecstasy. The saints were enraptured, they received persecution, they were wanderers in the desert, some were crowned and some uncrowned, wise men, and they erred in will, the weary, and they were humiliated in separation, the insensible, and with the flesh, the seeker of the strong, and the peaceable without counsel.

for this hour he is worthy and has attained to this: by the mercy of the one who is worshipped, God. The one who receives from the body in the middle, and in his hand this gift is given. The one who, in all our likeness, makes images of us apart from sin. Because of the natural union of the flesh with us, and to that which is without disturbance, in union the pure qualities are preserved, a disposition from the sea is fitting for him. In his hand are glory, praise, and worship. Now and in the life without end, forever, amen. Before you enter the city of humility, if you see your standing that you are far from the sphere of passions, do not believe it. There is something hidden that is revealed to you. And a sign: after that wind, the great disturbance that comes. When you have passed through all the airs of the virtues, do not encounter the wind from your remnants and the remainder from your pursuers, until your discipline is established in the air of humility.