On August 9th, we celebrate the Feast Day of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. She was born Edith Stein and grew up Jewish, but at the age of 14 became an Atheist. In college, she would study under the great phenomenologist philosopher Husserl. Later in life, she would read the great mystic St. Teresa of Avila, converted to Catholicism, and entered the Carmelites taking the name Sr. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. During World War II, she would be arrested and martyred at Auschwitz.
In the following poem, St. Teresa Benedicta writes of the unitive love found in Holy Communion and its transformative effects. Because the Eucharist affords a share in the divine life, it illuminates the soul, enlightening man from within. I invite you to spend some time with this poem in prayer over the next week.
This Heart, it beats for us in a small tabernacle
Where it remains mysteriously hidden
In that still, white host.
That is your royal throne, O Lord,
Which visibly you have erected for us,
And you are pleased when I approach it.
Full of love, you sink you gaze into mine
And bend your ear to my quiet words
And deeply fill my heart with peace.
Yet your love is not satisfied
With this exchange that could still lead to separation:
Your heart requires more.
You come to me as early morning’s meal each daybreak.
Your flesh and blood become food and drink for me
And something wonderful happens.
Your body mysteriously permeates mine
And your soul unites with mine:
I am no longer what once I was.
You come and go, but the seed
That you sowed for future glory remains behind
Buried in this body of dust.
A luster of heaven remain in the soul,
A deep glow remains in the eyes,
A soaring in the tone of voice.
-Fr. Andrew