He who is joined to the Lord is one spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:17
I have finished reading through “The Interior Castle” by St Teresa. It will be a book I will have to re-visit; I feel there is more to learn and experience here.
I wanted to write down some of the symbols used to describe the term she has as “spiritual marriage” of individuals with God. Isn’t this expression such wonderful one – it beautifully describes the intimacy of relationship God chases us for.
Here they are;
Union may be symbolised by two wax candles, the tips of which touch each other so closely that there is but one light.
Spiritual marriage is like rain falling from heaven into a river or stream, becoming one and the same liquid, so that the river and rainwater cannot be divided; or it resembles a streamlet flowing into the ocean, which cannot afterwards be disunited from it.
This marriage may also be likened to a room into which a bright light enters through two windows – though divided when it enters, the light becomes one and the same.
I love the use of nature in these symbols. God can teach us so much through our natural surroundings – I find it so powerful. I personally find it easiest to draw close to God while observing and experiencing nature.
This “spiritual marriage” described also reminds me of the unity shared between the Father and the Son in the fellowship of the spirit – so intimately close they are like one. And to think that we share in that circle of fellowship – in Jesus – with God. Stunning.
I have finished reading through “The Interior Castle” by St Teresa. It will be a book I will have to re-visit; I feel there is more to learn and experience here.
I wanted to write down some of the symbols used to describe the term she has as “spiritual marriage” of individuals with God. Isn’t this expression such wonderful one – it beautifully describes the intimacy of relationship God chases us for.
Here they are;
Union may be symbolised by two wax candles, the tips of which touch each other so closely that there is but one light.
Spiritual marriage is like rain falling from heaven into a river or stream, becoming one and the same liquid, so that the river and rainwater cannot be divided; or it resembles a streamlet flowing into the ocean, which cannot afterwards be disunited from it.
This marriage may also be likened to a room into which a bright light enters through two windows – though divided when it enters, the light becomes one and the same.
I love the use of nature in these symbols. God can teach us so much through our natural surroundings – I find it so powerful. I personally find it easiest to draw close to God while observing and experiencing nature.
This “spiritual marriage” described also reminds me of the unity shared between the Father and the Son in the fellowship of the spirit – so intimately close they are like one. And to think that we share in that circle of fellowship – in Jesus – with God. Stunning.
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