Lessons from Saints - Norbert

Norbert was an 11th century noble who lived in what is now Germany. His father was a count and related to the Imperial line and the House of Lorraine. He was a member of the court of Emperor Henry V, and lived a life of ease and pleasure. Norbert became a canon as a career move, seeing the benefits of the ecclesiastical life but did not wish to enter the restrictive orders of the priesthood.

One day, as he was riding, a terrible thunderstorm blew up and a stroke of lightning spooked his horse, throwing the courtier to the ground and knocking him unconscious. When he came to, his first thoughts were "Lord, what would you have me do?" In response Norbert heard in his heart, "Turn from evil and do good. Seek peace and pursue it."

He returned to his birthplace of Xanten and promptly took the orders, becoming a priest. He gave his wealth and possessions away, adopted a rather extreme ascetic lifestyle and petitioned the Pope to become an itinerant preacher. He founded abbeys and reformed others. In time, he was made a bishop and, eventually, an archbishop.

Norbert had it all - wealth, power and a life of ease in a time when many lived a life of privation. Not only was he part of the system, but Norbert had an inside track to becoming one of the very rich and influential. Then, he had a moment when a choice for a different life was given to him - a chance to trade in his temporal wealth for that of spiritual treasures. Norbert gave up everything to follow Christ. He listened to the Voice Within and followed it, even when it meant turning his back on everything which he had worked for and was told was of value.

Even in darkness, there is light.

The last few days I have not been posting as regularly as usual. Some of that is work-related, but a good deal of it is that I have been doing a lot of contemplation and prayer. My relationship with one of my partners has ended and the other is on very rough ground. I have been with both of them for approximately five years now and, in the course of a month, I have gone from the brink of forging a permanent relationship between us all to losing them both. The two people I care most about in the world are no longer with me. I can only hope that I will be able to repair my relationship with one of them.

A good part of my mind wants to rush about, scream and shout, do something to make things better. I have not listened to that, knowing that it would do no good, but I should acknowledge it nonetheless. I have been trying hard to still my mind and listen for That Voice, with mixed success. It is a funny and ironic thing to read your old posts and their words help you. I will say one thing which has come out through this whole issue.

I have faith in the Divine, in His plan and my part in it. That has never wavered and provides me with solace in the days and nights alone. I have hope towards the future, knowing that the Plan is for my benefit even if I do not understand or know it. I have love for all those involved, including myself. I must believe and wait upon the Lord.

Credo

Memorial day prayer

Oh Lord, in memory of those who have fallen fighting injustice and tyranny, both in and out of uniform, grant us:

the wisdom to discern Your will
the courage to trust in your infinite benefice and
the strength to do what we know is right

as you have done for those who have come before us.

Amen.