Snow is blowing across Lake Immaculata in the coldest recorded weather for April in this midwestern state. Best get the Rose of Sharon into the garage, in a bucket of water. Was a gift by hermitage guests this morning.
The Three S' became the Seven S' and now are the Nine S'. For the complete hermit life (or the complete, intergral Catholic life), one must practice silence, solitude, slowness, suffering, selflessness, simplicity, stability, stillness and serenity. The hermit must practice these to a high degree.
One might wonder, "Why not self-mastery as one of the s'?" Self-mastery, necessary for the virtue of meekness, in self-control over the passions, is inherent in some of the listed s'. But this list goes further than self-mastery, as selflessness and suffering lead into charity. Serenity may be a fruit of this life; but we are pondering this state, to comprehend serenity and if it is something to practice and acquire or is a grace.
Andrew the Heron is serene.
The snow is serene.
What is serenity? It is a calm, a tranquility. In archaic terms, it described the weather. Serenity suggests a lofty calmness. One could learn this, practice this, as one can practice patience and prudence, by making choices in remaining serene. Yet, the loftiness of it introduces the grace given, grace by God.
In reading Garrigou-Lagrange's Contemplation and Christian Perfection, am learning that God is the motive and force, of course!--behind all movement within the soul, all action, except to act in sin. To practice serenity would be granted the good graces and helps by God, for this is good. Serenity is good.
Today there is a serenity of heart and soul and mind. The relationship difficulties with family members and others that arise, the difficulties with the "world" in being cheated and also in being distracted, seem silly now. They are nothing compared to the snow blowing across Lake Immaculata. The snow is natural, lovely, silent and serene.
Just believe and have faith. Do not be disturbed. The grace of God informs all within the soul, and the grace of God gives all that is necessary. Daily trials are merely daily trials, to be worked through utilizing the practiced Nine S'.
