Divine Embrace

‘Our work is the love of God,’ says Ruysbroeck. ‘Our satisfaction lies in submission to the Divine Embrace.’ This utter and abrupt submission to the Divine Embrace is the essence of that form of contemplation which is called the Orison of Union. ‘Surrender’ is its secret: a personal surrender, not only of finite to Infinite, but of bride to Bridegroom, heart to Heart. Evelyn Underhill, Mysticism, P. 240

We sometimes consider that submission and surrender of ourselves to someone or something has rather a negative concept. We may feel that to submit or surrender ourselves to God or another human being is to give up our own will for that of another.

However, in the above quotation, I feel that submission to the Divine embrace denotes, not a surrender like that which follows a struggle, but rather a more mutual, peaceful surrender of union One with another. It is not the submission of my will to God’s stronger will but the mutual surrender of love to Love, desire to Desire, heart to Heart.

The contemplative seeks God and is embraced, encircled, and enfolded in God’s love; is united with God in the Divine Embrace; surrenders her whole being and becomes one with the essence of God in joyful bliss.

© Judith Lawrence