The Edith Stein Speaks newsletter breaks down St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross’ writings into bite sized pieces. They will feature a passage from Edith Stein’s work followed by a short commentary, connecting her work to other notable saints, theologians and modern day thinkers. To read her biography, click here.
Let us return again to Edith’s essay “Ways to Interior Silence.” After giving the first hour of the morning to the Lord, unburdening ourselves at the altar of the heart, and getting through the noon hour, we come to the evening.
Here are Edith Stein’s words:
Thus the remainder of the day will continue, perhaps in great fatigue and laboriousness, but in peace. And when night comes, and retrospect shows that everything was patchwork and much which one had planned left undone, when so many things rouse shame and regret, then take all as it is, lay it in God’s hands, and offer it up to Him. In this way we will be able to rest in Him, actually to rest, and to begin the new day like a new life.
Commentary:
It is no small thing to fight for peace throughout the day. Yet, so often, the evening comes with anxiety and regret about all that has been left undone. Household tasks, correspondence, or moments of quiet and pleasure that were hoped for, have fallen to the wayside in the business of the day. The temptation arises to lay in bed and recount one’s failures. But Edith suggests another way: evening surrender. To take the mental load, the physical pain, and spiritual struggle and lay it all down in the hands of our Lord. He created humanity with the need for rest, specifically for sleep. It takes an act of trust to let go of all that was hoped to be completed, and to let sleep restore the body, mind and soul. This act of trust is an opportunity to more firmly give one’s life over to Divine Providence, knowing that God’s will includes both toil and rest. When the time to rest comes, give everything else over to Him. End the day in peace.
Other words from wise people:
My Jesus, despite Your graces, I see and feel all my misery. I begin my day with battle and end it with battle. As soon as I conquer one obstacle, ten more appear to take its place. But I am not worried, because I know that this is the time of struggle, not peace. When the burden of the battle becomes too much for me, I throw myself as a child into the arms of the heavenly Father and trust I will not perish. O my Jesus, how prone I am to evil, and this forces me to be constantly vigilant. But I do not lose heart. I trust God’s grace, which abounds in the worst misery. (St. Faustinia, Diary, 606).
The Real Work by Wendell Berry
It may be that when we no longer know what to do we have come our real work, and that when we no longer know which way to go we have come to our real journey. The mind that is not baffled is not employed. The impeded stream is the one that sings.
“Break off from your cares and labors. Make a little time for God and rest a while in him.”
-St. Anselm
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)
I have those wise and consoling words from Edith Stein written in my commonplace book, and I keep saying I'm going to place them where I can see them before bedtime (but have yet to do so).
Lately my battle begins right away in the morning with my inner critic battering away at me for all of my inadequacies, neglected duties, and all the other ways I'm failing. I like what St. Faustina suggests here, to throw oneself into the arms of God.
Thank you for sharing all of these encouraging words.
Great article, great reminder! Thank you!