Lost in the reformation

I've just finished reading two very interesting books by Catholic scholars about Christ being formed in us. The first is by Ralph Martin, a leader in Catholic renewal movements and Director of Graduate Programs in the New Evangelization at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan. His book, The Fulfillment of All Desire, gives a clear description of the process to union with God.

The second book, Fire Within, is by Fr. Thomas Dubay, S.M., a retreat master and spiritual director in the Catholic church. Both books give an overview of the journey toward 'the beatific vision' of having Christ formed in us based on Scripture and the writings of saints who have achieved this state like St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila, Catherine of Siena, Bernard of Clairvaux, and Francis De Sales.

Just a quick note to those of you who are Protestants. If you're like me, you've been taught to be very suspicious of Catholic teachings. You might have already crossed me off as an untrustworthy source because I mention these books. But before you go, could I just say that if you will open your mind to consider these writers, you'll find that they have a very high esteem for Scripture, they clearly express the gospel of Christ, and they have biblical insights you could benefit from. You will probably come across some things that you don't agree with, sure, but don't toss out the baby with the bathwater! If we Evangelical Prostestants would listen to our brothers and sisters in the Catholic church, we will find that, when it comes to the biblical teaching on union with God, they have much to teach us. Truths that, unfortunately, were 'lost in the reformation.'

As Bernard of Clairvaux writes, "Come then, follow, seek Him; do not let that unapproachable brightness and glory hold you back from seeking Him or make you despair of finding Him. 'If you can believe all things are possible to him who believes' (Mk. 9:22) 'The Word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart.' (Rom. 10:8) Therefore seek him confidently, seek him faithfully, 'The Lord is good to the soul who seeks Him.' (Lam. 3:25) Seek Him in your prayers, follow Him in your actions, and find Him in faith." (On the Song of Songs, vol. IV, sermon 76, no. 6, p. 115)

They call the first stage of the journey toward union with God 'the Purgative Way.' It includes our initial conversion to Christ, the exciting first steps of faith (like the Israelite's experience just after leaving Egypt, and our wanderings in the wilderness. The trials God allows us to encounter begin the process of purging away our self-centeredness, pride, and affection for the world. We discover the 'idols' in our lives - money, the approval of others, power/control, and pleasure.

The second stage, referred to as 'the Illumative Way,' is characterized by deeper prayer, growth in Christian virtues, deepening love for God and others, greater moral stability and complete surrender to the Lordship of Christ. As God illuminates Scripture to us, and reveals Himself, we lose interest in all that is not God. We become bored with the pursuits of those around us. Making money, attaining power, and experiencing the pleasures of the world pale in comparison to beholding the face of Christ. As the 'veil' is removed, we "can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord - who is the Spirit - makes us more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image. For God who said, 'Let there be light in the darkness,' has made His light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Cor. 3:18, 4:6)

The third stage called, 'the Unitive Way,' is "characterized by deep, habitual union with God, deep joy, profound humility, freedom from fears of suffering or trials, great desire to serve God, and fruitfulness." (The Fulfillment of All Desire, Ralph Martin, page 12)

These different stages can be present in the believer's life simultaneously but as we make progress, our experience will be primarily defined by the subsequent stages.