S. Bernard speaks in this wise i1 “Jesus, having arrived at the town, the two sisters, Martha and Mary, that is to say, action and thought, met him. And Jesus, having come to them, conferred upon each that which was fitting: upon action, strength ; upon thought, wisdom. The Apostle praised both, and referred to them in the passage ‘the power of God and the wisdom of God.2 But why is it Martha meets Him at the entrance to the town, whilst Mary sat still in the house, and Martha first was busy in serving Him, Mary afterwards sat at His feet and heard His words? Is it not as much as to say, action goes before contemplation, and is followed by it ? Indeed, every one who wills to attain to the rest of contemplation must first diligently lead a life of labour, as it is written, ‘ My Son, if thou desire wisdom, keep the commandments, and the Lord shall give her unto thee.’ 1 And again, ‘Through Thy commandments I get understanding.’3 And again, ‘ Purifying their hearts by faith.’4 But what faith ? Faith that worketh by love.” The same Saint says also,5 “Perhaps, you aspire to the rest of contemplation : you do well. But you must not forget the flowers with which the couch of the Spouse must be covered. Be careful, then, to adorn your own with the flowers of good works, and remember that holy repose is the product of the exercise of virtues, as fruits are formed from flowers. There may be something of sloth in the repose you desire, unless labour purchase it. The fruitfulness of Leah must precede the embrace of Rachel. Otherwise, we reverse the order of the Apostle, ‘ If any would not work, neither should he eat.’6 ‘ Through obeying Thy commandments/ says the Psalmist, ‘ I get understanding;’ that is, the joy of contemplation arises from keeping the Divine Law. If obedience and deference to tradition were set aside by this love of contemplation, then the couch of the Spouse would not be covered with flowers, but with nettles and hemlock, neither would He respond to your prayers and calls. God does not approve of idleness ; He says by the Prophet, ‘ When ye spread forth your hands, I will hide Mine eyes from you; 6 yea, when ye make many prayers I will not hear/ Your couch is not decked with flowers, but stained and polluted, and can you in such a state invite the King of Glory to come to you ? ” And again, “Do you continue to spread forth your hands towards God, you who annoy your brethren, cause disunion, and withdraw from them ? But what is required of you? You must purge your conscience from all stain of anger, contention, murmuring, envy, and put far from you everything that is contrary to peace and rightful submission. Then bring about you the flowers of good actions and praiseworthy pursuits, the perfumes of virtues, that is to say, of everything that is true, everything that is just, everything that is holy, everything that is lovely, everything that is of good report, whether in virtue or discipline. Think of these things, give thyself wholly to them. Thus, and thus only, will you be able to call upon the Spouse with safety, when you can introduce Him in this manner, saying, i Our couch is flowery, my conscience, that is, is redolent of graces, piety, peace, meekness, justice, obedience, brightness, lowliness/ ” It will thus be seen how the first part of the Active Life must precede the Contemplative.
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