“You will be waiting for me many days, but you are not to take any other husband or lover.” Hos. 3: 3
Blessed Guerric quotes the prophet Hosea to express that the life of a monk is one of suspense. He also describes this life of suspense as a “suspended death” on the cross. Surprisingly, Guerric says that "He is most happy who is waiting in such suspense..."How can this suspense be a pleasant experience? The first time I read this sermon I was incredulous, but after mining my own experience I came upon a memory that changed my mind. The memory is actually quite personal, but it suffices to say that knowing that God is pleased by an individual’s fierce fidelity makes any suffering meaningful and even sweet. If it pleases my Lover for me to prove my love, then prove it I shall, sweetly and suspended on the cross.
