The Gift of Darkness Not Clarity

The monk named Bonaventure lived in the 13th century, and although he ended up great educated, one of his passions was teaching that there always needed to be room for mystery in our lives. He put together this short poem about how to take hold of the deep things of God.

As you read through it, see which pairing stands out to you and ask yourself why that is. Then spend some time letting this poem direct your prayers.

If you wish to know how these things come about,

ask for grace, not instruction,

desire not understanding,

the groaning of prayer not diligent reading,

the Spouse not the teacher,

God not man,

darkness not clarity,

not light but the fire

that totally inflames and carries us into God

- Bonaventure