Wilhelm's space

Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing. (2Co 6:10 NIV)

Sadness is a ticket to joy. There are various perspectives of heaven. Mine too shall be realized – even if no one sees the glorious splendour out yonder, who has not first gone through sorrow and trouble here. Yet, those, who will eventually see the heavenly happiness can even bear the sorrows of this world with a smile.

Joy is but a fleeting guest here on earth. It’s like the sparkling wine of Cana, which is enjoyed now and again – but not constantly. Whatever is not permanent is not vital either. Often I was in quite some sorrow, but afterwards I realized that even in these dark times happiness was there like a sleeping Christ or as an angel in the desert – sustaining me with heavenly and divine sustenance. I realized that God does not leave us people alone since he left his son on the cross to die in harsh isolation. That is why I live in anticipation of his coming and presence, take up my cross and follow his directions. He knows where I should be and what I should do and say. Therefore speak – o Lord – your servant is listening. I do his bidding – sometimes with, sometimes without rejoicing – realizing that the blessing of obeying his commandments are not dependant on my joy or sorrow, but rather on the grace, mercy and goodness of the most humble and almighty Lord of the Church Jesus Christ. All glory be to him alone!

Lord, you omniscient and merciful God, you know the hardship, suffering and trouble of your children. You know, when and how they require your help and salvation. Let us persevere patiently in all suffering, carrying our cross without complaint until we reach our destiny, where we will at last be free of all sin and singing your praises even for the hardships suffered during our lifetimes.  Amen.  

O what wonderful love that can lead its most cherished children through dark and hard times. You lead your darlings to eternal joys, but through deep waters. Every pain strikes your heart first – o blessed saviour. Your the one that cuts and feels the pain too – o Priest, who suffered all for us.

Quiet heart and racing mind, bring peace to our torn soul. Grant us rest – o Father on high. Listen to my cry from below and pull me toward you – into the deepest unity – now and forever. I prefer to live for you alone – o Lord – removed from all, but from you, my hearts desire.  (Wilhem Hermann, 1826-1856)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Saturday after the third Sunday after Easter: Jubilate. It is found on Pg. 186 in Lob sei Dir ewig, o Jesu!   (Eternal Praise to you o Jesus!) edited by A. Schuster and published in the Freimund Verlag, Neuendettelsau 1949.