Grimlaicus (Cistercian Studies) by Thornton Andrew

Author:Thornton, Andrew [Thornton, Andrew]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780879078300
Publisher: Liturgical Press
Published: 2011-04-02T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 29: Compunction of Heart

Compunction of heart is humility of mind, with tears and remembrance of sins and fear of judgment. From the virtue of humility is born compunction of heart; from compunction of heart is begotten repentance, and from repentance is gained forgiveness of sins.

There are four kinds of sentiment by which the mind of a just person experiences compunction and a healthy loathing. They are: remembering past sins, recalling punishments to come, considering how one is on pilgrimage in the misery of this present life, and desiring to reach our native land on high and to be able to get there as soon as possible. When these four are in the heart, then one may believe that God is present in the human heart by grace.

In addition, if our desire for compunction of heart is to be perfect, it is incumbent upon us first to have withdrawn both mind and heart from every disturbance and fluctuation caused by visible things and to have mounted up to that silence where there is the utmost quiet, unbroken tranquility, and pure serenity. It is on that point that we should focus all our attention and always keep our mind’s eye fixed. We ought to keep before the eyes of our mind the day of death and call our past sins to mind. We should recall those who groan in hell and what it is like for the souls that are there, in what bitter silence they are, in what despairing lamentation, what fear, what torture, what dread and pain. On their account we ought to shed infinite tears. But let us reflect upon the day of resurrection and upon that terrifying, dreadful, and fearful judgment of Christ, and upon the reward given to the just and the punishment awaiting sinners that they will suffer in God’s sight. Let us call to mind all the tortures, the inextinguishable fire, the worm that does not die, and the pit of darkness [see Mark 9:43-44]. And above all, let us dread the gnashing of teeth and unending torments. Let us also set before ourselves the good things and joyous gladness that are awaiting the just in the presence of God and his angels in eternal glory. Let us also ponder how glorious are those choirs of angels, the fellowship that blessed spirits enjoy, and how majestic is the vision of God. Let us keep the memory of both these things always in our hearts: let us grieve over the judgment pronounced on sinners, but let us rejoice over the good things that await the just. If we do, then the perfect compunction that springs from fear will hand the soul over to the compunction that springs from love.88

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