To See Jesus

     There was a man who wanted to go to Jerusalem.  He had no idea 

how to get there.  He asked someone he considered to be an authority.

     "You can't get there without a lot of hard work.  It is a dangerous 

trip.  There are many roads you can take, but people are getting 

robbed and killed on them all the time.  No one ever gets there.  There 

is only one safe way to travel to Jerusalem."

     The would-be pilgrim was excited.  "I don't care what troubles I 

suffer.  Tell me the way.  I will faithfully follow your instructions."

     "Here is the right road.  Be sure to follow my directions.  Don't let 

anything hinder you.  Allow no pleasurable distractions.  Keep moving. 

Think only that you want to be in Jerusalem.  Consider nothing else.  If 

you are beaten and robbed, scorned, and despised, do not fight back.  

Bear the pain and continue your journey.  Don't listen to questions or 

attempt to answer them.  If you are offered gifts, don't accept them.  

Always keep your mind on Jerusalem.  If you do this, you will reach 

your goal."

     Jerusalem  stands for the sight of Jesus, contemplation of the 

perfect love of God.  If you are on your way to this Jerusalem, carry two

things with you: humility and love.  Humility says, "I am nothing.  I have 

nothing."  Love says, "I only desire one thing--Jesus."  These two strings 

make good harmony on the harp of the soul when they are plucked by 

the talented finger of reason.  They resonate.  The more you are 

humble, the more you love.

                           Walter Hilton, Walter Hilton: The Scale of Perfection

Who is Walter Hilton? Walter Hilton died and 1396. He was an

English augustinian mystic. Little is known of his life. His writings

were widely read in England in the 15th century. To learn more

about Walter Hilton read here.

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