The Silent Outcry
Today's Lenten reading comes from a 14th century anonymous letter written in Germany, popularly referred to as The Silent Outcry:
Learn how to let go of God through God, the hidden God through the naked God. Be willing to lose a penny in order to find a guilder. Get rid of the water, so that you can make wine. The creature is not strong enough to take God away from you, not even the least grace, as long as you yourself want him.
If you want to avoid things, learn to suffer; if you want to eat of the honey, you should not be put off by the bee's sting. If you want to catch fish, learn to get wet; if you want to see Jesus on the shore (Jn 21:4), learn to sink down into the sea first (Mt 14:30).
Were it the case that you should see the heavens torn open and the stars falling, you should not let it make you lose your composure; God will not take himself from you unless you will it; how much less can a creature remove him.
Listen. Look. Suffer and be still. Release yourself into the light. See with intellect. Learn with discretion. Suffer with joy. Rejoice with longing. Have desire with forbearance. Complain to no one. My child, be patient and release yourself, because no one can dig God out from the ground of your heart.
O deep treasure, how will you be dug up? O high perfection, who may attain you? O flowing fountain, who can exhaust you? O burning Brilliance; outbursting Power; simple Return; naked Hiddenness; hidden Security; secure Confidence; simple silent One in all things; manifold Good in a single silence; You silent Outcry, no one can find you who does not know how to let you go.
Release yourself, my child, and thank God that he has given you such a way of life.