John of Ruysbroeck: Swift growth and abundant flowers

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But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. Luke 8:15

“It is in the spiritual year, says Ruysbroeck, that which the month of May is in the seasons of the earth: a wholesome and necessary time of sunshine, swift growth and abundant flowers, when the soul, under the influence of ‘the soft rain of inward consolations and the heavenly dew of the Divine sweetness’ blossoms in new and lovely graces.”

John of Ruysbroeck (1293-1381) in Ruysbroeck by Evelyn Underhill (London: L.G. Bell, 1915) 70. He was a Flemish mystic, author, and spiritual guide before “spiritual direction” had taken shape in the church.

I’ve shifted from the monks to the mystics in exploring the theme of abundance in the 40 days between our observances of the resurrection (1 April 2018) and the ascension (10 May 2018) of Jesus Christ.

As the “soft rain” of May fast approaches, I must ask about the state of your soil? Is it hard or rocky? Does the desire for riches? Do the cares of this life choke out your fruitfulness?

Ruysbroeck rightly notes that the days after Easter “in the spiritual year” (like May on our calendars) can be richly fruitful. “Swift growth and abundant flowers” can blossom as God’s grace works in and through us.

However, growth only happens if the soil is right. How’s your soil? How do you know? Three major hindrances to spiritual growth, especially linked to generosity, are pride, fear, and worry.

We can liken these three to the unfruitful soils in the parable of the sower in Luke 8:1-15. How’s your soil? Only the perfect love of Christ can soften the hard soil of pride, remove the rocks of fear, and weed out worry.

Once the soil work is done (and only once it is done or you will labor in vain), soak in the “heavenly dew of the Divine sweetness” by drinking in Scripture to fill your heart with humility, courage, and faith. Then prepare for fruitfulness!