Jeanne Guyon’s Interior Faith. Jeanne de la Mothe Guyon

holy man knew it. He discovered this because he was always looking forward and waiting. As he waited, he heard the movements that are subtle and delicate, that only people who wait in this disposition are able to discern. Furthermore, it was necessary that he had followed these movements up to this point. Without this, it would have been difficult to discover this moment because faithfulness to follow gives the experience. Waiting for the movement gives the discovery, because without this, we don’t know the delicate impression. God is there, as when Elijah discerned this. Scripture reads: Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, the Lord was not in the wind. Following this there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. Next came a fire but the Lord was not in the fire. After that came a still small voice and the Lord was there (1 Kings 19:11–12). Therefore, we see that the Lord is not found in the strong and impetuous movements. These movements can always be discerned and we do not need to wait for them. But we must apply ourselves and wait to perceive a gentle breeze. This is why the motion of the Spirit of God, which is peaceful, sweet, and tranquil, cannot be distinguished easily unless we are accustomed to know it.

      Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, 29 “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples.” (Luke 2:28–31)

      In this moment Simeon became a prophet and apostle. He took the child Jesus in his arms, to place him in hearts. We carry Jesus for a longtime in our heart, before we carry him in our arms: this is why the bridegroom says to his spouse, Set me as a seal upon your heart, because it begins there, and as a seal upon your arm (Song of Solomon 8:6). We have Jesus Christ in our hearts for ourselves; but we carry Jesus Christ in our arms for others. That is to say, we also receive him in our hands, that we may carry him to other hearts.

      When this good servant of God in his strength receives the divine infant, he has in this moment fulfilled the duties of his apostolate. He speaks, It is now, O Lord, that I possess a peace so unchanging, that nothing in the world is capable of altering it. I die in this peace, because I hope that you accomplish in me this word of peace that you give in truth to this infant. I hope also that my life will be ended, because my eyes have seen in others and proven in myself, the salvation that you have prepared for all, like me, who watch and follow the movement of your Holy Spirit. There is nothing more for me on this earth since I have accomplished your holy will and I am happy at the sight of your salvation that you have given to all who trust in you and watch for you. You have brought me joy and you are destined to be the Savior and give salvation to us in the presence of all people. All the people may follow his example, to be formed by his life, to reflect on him, and to see in him all the states of this life.

      “A light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:32)

      The child Jesus Christ was a light for revelation for all the nations. Therefore, it was necessary that his light illuminate: he must shine light on the Gentile’s darkness of ignorance and their sins of the night. He brings light for those who do not yet have light. He also brings glory to your people Israel, that is to say, interior souls, who do not yet have the glory of the divine Savior. He is their salvation with all the glory of salvation. Where he is, there is no darkness and confusion. O Love! There is only true glory in you; you are our only glory. This is why David said that God was his glory. Paul says he is glorified in God, as if he said, “There is nothing in me to glorify. I find in God all my glory.”

      And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. (Luke 2:33)

      Why does the scripture say that Joseph and Mary were amazed at what was being said about Jesus? They had already been told many times that Jesus was God. Oh! It is as if they were in the most sublime prayer (that is in silence and a continual suspension, without anything extraordinary outside of them happening). When they heard Simeon speaking of this divine child, their continual state of amazement was awakened in them again with more force. They understood again and they comprehended more than they said.

      Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother, Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed.” (Luke 2:34)