June sixth marked the feast of St. Norbert, a lesser-known saint from Germany. Born in 1075, he led a life of worldly pleasure and wealth until he was struck by a thunderstorm while riding his horse. This event led to his conversion, and he felt called by God to the priesthood. Subsequently, Norbert became an itinerant preacher, founded the Norbertines religious order, and eventually was appointed as an archbishop. Nine hundred and fifty years later, Hallow shared one of the “Sayings of St. Norbert,” and I believe these ancient words can assist us all in reevaluating our prayer lives.
St. Norbert expressed, “A talkative, over-curious, and restless person is like an oven that is open and exposed on all sides and keeps no heat. You will never savor the sweetness of a quiet prayer unless you shut your mind to all worldly desires and temporal affairs.”
Reflect on the image of an oven with no sides. How inefficient it would be, how food would be heated unevenly, never fully cooked or browned. So much potential would be wasted.
St. Norbert’s words resonate with me because I can be talkative, over-curious, and restless at times. I often find myself distracted by thoughts, problems, and visual stimuli that divert my prayerful mind sideways instead of heavenward. St. Norbert’s analogy teaches me that rather than being like a defective oven, I aspire for my mind to resemble a fireplace. My initial thoughts and intentions are akin to paper, kindling, and a match igniting a spark of prayerfulness. The Holy Spirit then kindles these thoughts into a flame, adding logs of inspiration to foster warm and fulfilling meditation. The generated heat consoles me, and my prayerful smoke ascends through the chimney in communion with God.
Thank God for prayer. I thank God also for metaphors to help us perceive the invisible realities of his divine mysteries.
Scripture: Reflect on Romans 8:26. What resonates with you?
Call to Action: Consider adhering to St. Norbert’s counsel. Locate a serene spot and power off your phone. Allow yourself the time and space to close your mind to all worldly desires, enabling you to concentrate on directing your prayers heavenward.
