Spot on, Eric. Contra Beha, Maritain says that only a Christian, nay a mystic, can be a complete novelist, because he has a truer vision of man (paraphrasing). I'm reading "Gates of Heaven" by Glenn Arbery, and he does a wonderful job exploring the theme of acceptance, which is what you are writing about. There are three possible approaches to acceptance: rebellion, resignation, or consent. Only consent will accrue to your soul's benefit. Also, you can say with all humility that you are a Gifted Writer, possessed of talent, vision, and vocation. Whether the world ever recognizes that is another matter altogether. You write in service of that gift, period.
Maritain has a lofty bar set for his complete novelist. :)
And yes, I think you're right - if you really discern a call and gift to write, then you are obliged to fulfill that in some way and trust that whatever God wants to come of it will come of it.
not as high as you would think. I read a great essay in DT a year or so about Fray Francisco de Osuna, whose theology influenced Theresa of Avila and John of the Cross. His position is that no extraordinary grace is necessary for mysticism; rather, it is the natural end of the eucharist.
Beautiful reflections, Eric. I've struggled with the same dilemma in several areas, and come to similar conclusions. Part of my struggle has been learning to trust the fact that I am drawn to certain things as a sign of calling rather than a temptation. Not saying that can't ever happen, but you are right - what would the pursuit of holiness even look like without specific vocations?
Agreed! And this is a bigger, deeper topic that I can't fully tackle, but it is a perennial struggle for me to discern between temptation and calling. A lifelong task, I suppose!
Spot on, Eric. Contra Beha, Maritain says that only a Christian, nay a mystic, can be a complete novelist, because he has a truer vision of man (paraphrasing). I'm reading "Gates of Heaven" by Glenn Arbery, and he does a wonderful job exploring the theme of acceptance, which is what you are writing about. There are three possible approaches to acceptance: rebellion, resignation, or consent. Only consent will accrue to your soul's benefit. Also, you can say with all humility that you are a Gifted Writer, possessed of talent, vision, and vocation. Whether the world ever recognizes that is another matter altogether. You write in service of that gift, period.
Maritain has a lofty bar set for his complete novelist. :)
And yes, I think you're right - if you really discern a call and gift to write, then you are obliged to fulfill that in some way and trust that whatever God wants to come of it will come of it.
not as high as you would think. I read a great essay in DT a year or so about Fray Francisco de Osuna, whose theology influenced Theresa of Avila and John of the Cross. His position is that no extraordinary grace is necessary for mysticism; rather, it is the natural end of the eucharist.
Interesting... I'll have to go find that one and give it a read. Thanks!
Beautiful reflections, Eric. I've struggled with the same dilemma in several areas, and come to similar conclusions. Part of my struggle has been learning to trust the fact that I am drawn to certain things as a sign of calling rather than a temptation. Not saying that can't ever happen, but you are right - what would the pursuit of holiness even look like without specific vocations?
Agreed! And this is a bigger, deeper topic that I can't fully tackle, but it is a perennial struggle for me to discern between temptation and calling. A lifelong task, I suppose!