How Evelyn Underhill Made Me Catholic

(One of my favorite quotes by Evelyn Underhill)

From The Spiritual Life

Hodder & Stoughton

[The Spiritual Life] consists in being drawn, at His pace and in His way, to the place where He wants us to be; not the place we fancied for ourselves. (39)

-Evelyn Underhill

If you follow Catholic by Grace articles or blog postings, you know how much I love St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila.

But how did this Protestant preacher's kid stumble upon these two great Saints?

A long time ago, I read a series by Susan Howatch. It was part of the research I did for an article on Christian fiction (for Protestant venues) - and Susan Howatch had this habit of posting a quote at the beginning of each chapter. While the series was pure fiction, the quotes were by real people. One of her "quotables" came from an Anglican by the name of Evelyn Underhill. After I finished the series, I went looking for books by Underhill.

I found it interesting that Underhill had great affection for contemplatives, and she kept mentioning someone by the name of St. John of the Cross. So, after I read Howatch, I went to Underhill. After I read Underhill, I went to St. John of the Cross. And after I read St. John of the Cross, I went to St. Teresa of Avila.

And then, I went to the doors of the Catholic Church and asked that life-changing question. "How does one become Catholic. . . because I think that's what I'm supposed to be doing right about now."

*Another interesting fact about Evelyn Underhill is that she wanted to become Catholic, but at the request of her Anglican husband, she did not follow through on this desire. Thankfully, my husband did not stand in my way. And a few years later, he made the journey Home as well.

How Evelyn Underhill Made Me Catholic

The Cross of the Contemplative

I am a contemplative by nature. My favorite place (other than on my knees at Mass) is my home. If I had my preference, I would stay at home every day and contemplate spiritual things. Then, when I felt really adventurous, I would hide away with my computer and write my thoughts. If I really felt like taking a risk, I would post the thoughts on the computer or send them to an editor for review.

You see, I simply love being a reclusive Catholic writer. But God sometimes asks me to step out of my comfort zone. Like He did today.

Contemplatives are used to praying for all those active in the faith. We lift you before the Throne. But sometimes, we need your prayers. Like I do today.

So, dear active ones, if you would, please say a prayer for me today as I step out of my comfort zone and do something new and a little adventurous for me.

The Cross of the Contemplative

The Contemplative

The Contemplative: Teach me to sing, St. Therese.

Let joy flow through me, or suffering.
A wave that cannot be turned back.
Until all is forgotten,
and All is remembered.

See what the tide may bring.
There’s something to keep for another day.
The Spirit, a wind that cannot be contained.
The spirit, with a child’s eager feet.

One that stirs up joy, and deposits it like shells
along the shore. One that runs to find the treasures
before they are carried away.

This is not a joy that says I will not suffer another day.
Nor dances like a hedonist.
Nor shouts at fear and says you will not come again to this place.

She is a child’s soul, a new bride’s soul,
that acts in joy,
embraces peace, and says to suffering,
you must come again for a visit.
I will let you in.
And I will find joy even then.

Because all is grace. . .

-D.E.B. (copyright 2009)

The Contemplative