581 chapter 3: the altar of the mystical temple For this reason, finally, the Sun of Venice, St. Lawrence Justinian23 rightly insists: “What have you to do with flesh and blood, you who bear in yourself the Divine image? What have you to do with the world and vices, who, it is proven, was created for this, that you may ascend to heaven and enjoy the beatific vision of God with the Angelic spirits?”24 CHAPTER 3 The Altar of the Mystical Temple I embrace the oracle of Clairvaux25 and publicize it to all: “The holy temple is a God-fearing soul, and the altar is its excellent heart” (Med., Ch. 6).26 Bernard spoke this. And who would not admit that the Heart of man, especially of a devout one, is the Altar of God the Most High? For, just as God veiled in the most Holy Eucharist is never absent on the altar of a material temple, so He is never absent in a heart that is devoted to Him. Hence, He addresses us in the writings of that most enlightened Father of Calahorra, John of Jesus and Mary, who was once Superior General of the Carmel, which is beginning again to blossom,27 in the following words: “Prepare your hearts from their very depths shall be like Him...” 23 St. Lawrence Justinian (d. 1456) is called “the Sun of Venice” by the author, because he was the patriarch of Venice. 24 This quotation is probably taken from The Complete Works of St. Justinian Lawrence ..., Venice 1606, but from which specific work is not known. 25 By these words the author refers to the “oracle” (i.e., an opinion that enjoys great authority) that St. Bernard of Clairvaux made known in the monastery of Clairvaux (meaning, “Bright Valley”). This Cistercian monastery was founded by St. Bernard himself. 26 Bernard, Meditations ..., 6: PL 184, 497 (n. 328), or The Meditations of Saint Bernard, Ch. 6, 4 in: AMS, p. 338. 27 Father John of Jesus and Mary (the Calahorran), born in Calahorra in 1564, died in 1615; Superior General of the Order of Discalced Carmelites from 1611 to 1614; cf. Gabriele di S. Maria Maddalena, Giovanni di Gesù Maria (Calaguritanus): ECat VI, 562.
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