In moments of fervour, we feel that we are called to sparkle like precious gems, resplendent with sanctity. However, at a certain moment, God allows these lights to fade…
Sea, rocks and sun… Such disparate elements, but they form such a beautiful combination! Together, they create harmonious scenes conductive to well-being and to filling the admiring soul with joy.
The famous Island of Capri, located off the southern coast of the Italian Peninsula, is home to the Blue Grotto, where a spectacular phenomenon takes place. As the seawater that bathes its rocky interior is illuminated by the light of the sun, a brilliant blue fills the entire cave. During the day, the walls do not appear to be made of rough stone, but rather carved from an enormous sapphire!
Now, if we had the opportunity to visit this cave at nightfall, we would realize that, in fact, those rocks were never sapphires, nor was that enchanting light inherent to the cave. We would sadly discover that the fabulous setting which had seemed to come straight out of a fairy tale was gradually being converted into a gloomy dwelling place for bats…
Perhaps a barely visible blue vein playing on the surface of the water would remind us that the moon was shining outside; nothing more… Even the cold night wind would howl inhospitably in the cave, whereas, when the sun was shining, a discreet murmur had accompanied the fresh and gentle breeze.
Something similar happens to the soul in a state of grace. By the action of the Life-giving Spirit, the coarse stones within are flooded by supernatural light. However, unlike what happens in that cave – whose walls never, in fact, became sapphires – grace makes us truly participants in the divine life.
In moments of fervour, we feel that we are called to sparkle like precious gems, resplendent with sanctity. Everything is covered with brilliance, with colours and with charm. The light breeze is refreshing, the water reaches the ideal temperature and the sun’s heat is not a source of torment.
At a certain moment, however, God allows these lights to fade and the devil whispers in our ear: “Do you see how it was all lies? Everything you thought was true is nothing but a fleeting illusion! This is the reality: cold, ugliness, bats and darkness.”
Was such a marvel, then, merely imagination? Would the Most High have invited us to the sublimities of the supernatural without giving us the capacity to arrive at eternal joy? Will our miseries and shortcomings forever drag us down to what is most vile?
Whom should we believe? The God of Truth, or the father of lies? The answer could not be more obvious.
However, if the onslaught of hell is unrelenting, threatening to undermine our hope, let us not hesitate: we must kneel down, join our hands and lift up our hearts, confiding in Her who is the Mother of Mercy. Our Lady knows and loves the plans of her Divine Son for us, and She herself will fulfil the promise to transform the dark and rough grotto of out souls into a stupendous palace, full of light and glory! ◊
