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Chapter 37MedVC.1.37

De Chananaea; quomodo angeli nostri nobis fideliter serviunt, notabilis discursus

The Canaanite Woman's Threefold Virtue

The Canaanite woman approaches Jesus with great faith, persevering prayer, and deep humility, and the author draws out these three virtues for the reader's imitation.

When the Lord Jesus was laboring, going about preaching and curing the sick, a woman approached him — the Canaanite woman, that is, from the land of Canaan — who was of the Gentiles and not of the Jews, asking him to free her daughter, who was being tormented by a demon. For she was trusting in him, that he could do this.✦ And though the Lord did not answer, she nevertheless persisted, and she kept on crying out and begging him for mercy, to such an extent that the disciples asked on her behalf.✦ And when the Lord answered that the children's bread ought not to be given to dogs, she, humbling herself, replied that at least in the manner of a dog she might have some crumbs — and so she deserved to be heard.✦ Observe, therefore, the Lord and the disciples, and himself in the foregoing, according to the general consideration I gave you above. Nevertheless, also consider the virtues of this woman, and turn the case to your full benefit — for there were especially three. The first was great faith, so that she extended it even to her daughter; and for this she was commended by the Lord.✦ The second was perseverance in prayer; and she was not only persevering but also importunate. This importunity the Lord also accepts and invites, as you have had certain teaching in the previous treatise.

Humility Opens the Door to God's Mercy

The author deepens the meditation on the woman's humility, exhorts the reader to humble persevering prayer, and introduces the guardian angel who intercedes for the soul as the apostles did for her.

[Thirty-one.] 31. It, ■^. The third virtue was deep humility: she did not deny that she was a dog, nor did she think herself worthy to be counted among the children or to have the whole loaf of bread; she was content to receive the crumbs.✦ She humbled herself deeply, and so she obtained what she had asked for. So too, if you with a whole heart — faithful and pure — persevering in prayer before your God, will have humbled yourself, counting yourself unworthy of every good that is his, you can be absolutely certain that whatever you ask for, you will receive.✦ And just as the apostles interceded for the Canaanite woman, so too your angel will intercede for you and will offer your prayer to the Lord.✦ On this point, hear Bernard speaking: 'To my soul sighing frequently — indeed, without ceasing — praying and afflicting herself with longing, when at times the one who is so desired, who is sought with such devotion, has been moved with pity and comes to meet her — I believe, from his own experience, he can say with Jeremiah: You are good, Lord, to those who hope in you, to the soul that seeks you.'✦ But her angel — who is one of the Bridegroom's companions, appointed to this very role, truly a minister and arbiter of a secret and mutual greeting — this angel, I say, how he rejoices, how he shares in her gladness and delights with her! And turning to the Lord he says: 'I give you thanks, Lord of majesty, because you have granted the desire of her heart to her, and you have not denied her the request of her lips.' He is the one who, in every place, is indeed a diligent attendant to the soul — not to make anxious, but with constant promptings to encourage her, saying: 'Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the petitions of your heart.'✦

The Soul's Longing and the Angel's Encouragement

Through a chain of scriptural quotations, the author gives voice to the soul's ardent longing for God and the angel's role in sustaining hope during divine delay.

And again: Wait for the Lord, and keep to his way. Likewise, if he delays, wait for him, because the one who is coming will come, and he will not be slow.✦ But toward the Lord — a deer, he says, thirsts for springs of waters; in the same way this soul thirsts for you, Lord.✦1 It has longed for you in the night, and your spirit within its inmost parts has watched for you from early morning.2 And again: All day long it stretches out its hands to you.✦ Let her go, because she is crying out after him.✦3 Turn a little toward me, and be ready to show mercy.✦4 Look down from heaven, and see, and visit the one who is desolate.5

The Angel as Faithful Messenger Between Soul and Bridegroom

Drawing on Bernard, the author describes the guardian angel as a bridesman who carries prayers and gifts between the soul and Christ, enjoying intimate access to the Father's presence.

The faithful attendant, aware of their mutual love — yet not envious, seeking not his own glory but the Lord's — moves between the beloved bridegroom and the beloved bride, offering prayers, carrying gifts back and forth, rousing her, and calming him. At other times too — though rarely — he presents them together before himself. A. egr. her. — her. — a certain one. — whether seizing her or leading him, since he is a member of the household, well known in the palace, fears no rejection, and sees the Father's face every day.

Reverence and Gratitude Toward Our Guardian Angels

The author urges daily praise and honor for the guardian angels, warning that we should do nothing shameful in their constant presence.

So far, Bernard. You see how faithfully our angels serve us. From this, moreover, there arises some material for speaking about them — I want you to know that it is indeed of great — — reverence we ought to have, and them — . . We are bound daily to praise and honor them, and to render acts of thanksgiving to them; and in their presence, who are always with us, we ought to think, say, or do nothing illicit, nothing shameful. Concerning this we are also warned by blessed Bernard, who thus says on the Psalm Qui habitat: 'He has commanded his angels concerning you, that they guard you in all your ways.'✦

Walking Cautiously in the Angels' Presence

The author draws out the devotional implications of angelic presence: reverence, devotion, and confidence, calling the reader to live as though always watched by these holy guardians.

How great a reverence this word ought to bring you, what devotion it should carry with it, what confidence it should place in your heart! Reverence because they are present, devotion because of their goodwill, confidence because of their guardianship. Walk cautiously where the angels are present, just as they have been commanded — in all your ways.✦ In whatever lodging, in whatever corner, have reverence for your angel. And don't you dare do anything in his presence that you wouldn't dare do with me watching. And a little later: They are present with you, therefore — not only alongside you, but also on your behalf. They are present to protect you; they are present to help you. What will you repay the Lord for all that he has given you?✦

Honor to God, Love for the Angels, and the Power of Prayer

The chapter closes with a doxology to God alone, an exhortation to gratitude toward the angels, and a summary of the teaching on angelic service, their help, and the power of prayer.

To him alone belong honor and glory.✦ Why cry out to him? Because he himself has commanded it, and every good gift comes from him and from him alone.✦ And yet, if he has commanded even the angels — who obey him out of such great love and come to our aid in such great necessity — then we surely must not be ungrateful. Let us be devoted, then; let us be grateful to such guardians. Let us love them in return, and let us honor them as much as we can, as much as we ought. So far, Bernard. You have here, then, set forth in what has been said: the service of the angels, their help, and the power of prayer. Hold fast to this teaching, and show them all the reverence you can.

Read the original Latin

Cum Dominus Jesus laborans circuiret praedicando, et infirmos curando *, accessit ad eum mulier ChananoBa, id est, de terra Chanaan, quee erat gentilium et non Judseorum, rogans eum ut hberaret fdiam suam, quEe a daemonio vexabatur: erat enim fidens in eo, quod hoc facere posset. Et Domino non respondente, niliilominus instabat, et perseverabat clamans, et petens ab eo misericordiam in tantum, ut discipuli pro ea rogarent. Cumque Dominus responderet, non debere dari panem filiorum canibus, ipsa se humihans respondit, ut saltem more canis de micis posset habere; et sic meruit exaudiri. Conspice ergo Dominum et discipulos, et ipsum in praedictis, juxta considerationem generalem, quam dedi tibi supra. Nihilominus etiam considera virtutes hujus muheris, et cas ad totam tuam utilitatem converte, quae maxime tres fuerunt. Prima fuit fides magna, ut etiam usque ad fiUam se extenderet; et de ipsa fuit commendata haec a Domino. Secunda fuitorationisperseverantia; etnonsolum perseverans fuit, sed etiara importuna. Quam importunitatem etiam Dominus acceptat, et eam invitat, ut in priori tractatu certa habuisti.

eerm. xxxi, It, ■^. Tertia fuit humihtas profunda: nam nec negavit se canem, nec dignam putavit se inter filios reputari, vel habere panem integrum; sed contenta fuit de micis accipere. Unde valde se humiliavit, et ideo, quod postulavit, obtinuit. Sic et tu si corde integro, fideli et puro in oratione perseverans coram Deo tuo te humiliaveris, indignam te reputans omni bono suo, certissime credas, quod quidquid petieris, obtinebis. Et sicut apostoli rogaverunt pro Chananaea, sic et angelus tuus pro te rogabit, et offeret orationem tuam Domino. Super quo audi Bernardum dicentem ^: " Suspiranti animae meae frequenter, imo sine intermissione oranti, et afflictanti se prae desiderio, cum interdum desideratus ille, qui ita quaeritur, miseratus occurrit, puto illi de propria experientia conveuire, ut dicat cum Hieremia ^: Bonus es, Domine, sperantibus in te, animce qucerenti te. Sed et angelus ejus, qui unus est de sodalibus Sponsi, in hoc ipsum deputatus, minister profecto et arbiter secretae mutteque salutationis; is, inquam, angelus qpiomodo tripudiat, quomodo collaetatur et condelectatur, et conversus ad Dominum dicit; Gratias ago tibi, Domine majestatis, quia* desiderium cordis ejus tribuisti ei, et mluntate labiorum ejus non fraudasti eum Ipse est qui in omni loco sedulus quidem pedissequus animae non sollicitare, et assiduis suggestionibus monere, dicens ^: Belectare in Domino, et dabit tibi petitiones cordis tui.

Et rursum ^: Expecta Dominum, et custodi viam ejus. Item '^: Si moram fecerit, expecta eum, quia veniens veniet, et non tardabit. Ad Dominum autem *: Sicxit cervus, inquit, desiderat ad fontes aquarum, iia desiderat anima ista ad te, Domine. ^ Desideravit te in nocte, sed et spiritus tuus in prcecordiis ejus de mane vigilavit ad te. Et iterum "^: Tota die expandit ad te manus suas. " Dimitte illam, quia clamat post ^e. '* Convertere aliquantulum, etdeprecabilis esto.' ^^ Respice de ccbIo, et vide, et visita desolatam.

Fidelis paranymphus, qui mutui amoris conscius, sed non invidus, non suam quaerit, sed Domini gloriam: discurrit medius inter dilectum et dilectam, vota offerens, dona referens, excitat istam, placat illum. Interdum quoque, licet raro, repraesentat eos pariter sibi, Lxxxvu, 10. (") A. egr. ipsam. — eam. — quidam. — (^)Ca^ XXXVTll-XXXIX; sive hanc rapiens, sive illum adducens: siquidem domeslicus est, et notus in palatio, nec veretur repulsam, et quotidie videt faciem Patris."

Hucusque Bernardus. Angeios Vides quam fideliter angeli nostri serviunt '""'* nobis. Ex quo autem occurrit de ipsis aliqua ii" pro- loquendi maleria, scire te volo, quod magnam equide- gj. g^ g^g revercntiam habere debemus, et eos ie"nins. . ,. ,,, quotidie laudare, honorare, ac eis gratiarum actiones referre tenemur, et in eorum prcssentia, qui semper nobiscum adsunt, nihil illicitum, nihil turpe cogitare, dicere, vel operari debemus. De quo etiam a beato Bernardo monemur, qui sic dicit super Psalmum Qui habitat ': " Angelis suis mandavit de te, ut custodiant te in omnibus viis tuis.

Quantam tibi debet hoc verbum inferre reverentiam, afferre devotionem, conferre Hduciam! Reverentiam pro praesentia, devotionem pro benevolentia, fiduciam pro custodia. Caute ambula, ubi adsunt angeh, sicut eis mandatum est, in omnibus viis tuis. In quovis diversorio, in quovis angulo, angelo tuo reverenUam habe. Nec tu audeas illo praesente, quod vidente me non auderes. " Et paulo post: " Adsunt igitur tibi; non tantummodo tecum, sed etiam pro te. Adsunt ut protegant, adsunt ut prosint. Quid retribues Domino ' pro omnibus quce tribuit tibi?

Siquidem ei ^ soli honor et gloria. Quare ei soh? Quia ipse mandavit, et omne datum optimum * non nisi ab illo est. ^ Verumtamen si ille mandavit ipsis quoque, qui et ei ex tanta charitate obediunt, et nobis subveniunt in tanta necessitate, ingratos esse non hcet. Simus ergo devoti, simus grati tantis custodibus; redamemus eos, et honoremus eos quantum possumus, quantum debemus. " Hucusque Bernardus. Habes ergo in praedictis commendatum angelorum obsequium, et adjutorium, et orationis virtutem. Hanc tenere studeas, et illis omnem quam potes reverentiam exhibe

Scripture echoes

  1. ↩Matt.15.21-Matt.15.28 — And Jesus went out from there and withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. Matt.15.22 — And behold, a Canaanite woman from those regions came out and cried out, saying, "Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely tormented by a demon." Matt.15.23 — But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, "Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us. Matt.15.24 — But he answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Matt.15.25 — But she came and knelt before him, saying, 'Lord, help me.' Matt.15.26 — But he answered, "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." Matt.15.27 — She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table. Matt.15.28 — Then Jesus answered her, "Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you desire." And her daughter was healed from that hour.
  2. ↩Matt.15.23 — But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, "Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.
  3. ↩Matt.15.26-Matt.15.27 — But he answered, "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." Matt.15.27 — She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.
  4. ↩Matt.15.28 — Then Jesus answered her, "Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you desire." And her daughter was healed from that hour.
  5. ↩Matt.15.27 — She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.
  6. ↩Jas.5.16;Matt.7.7 — Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful as it works. Matt.7.7 — Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
  7. ↩Matt.15.23 — But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, "Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.
  8. ↩Lam.3.25 — The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him.
  9. ↩Ps.37.4 — Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
  10. ↩Hab.2.3 — For there is still a vision for the appointed time; it hastens toward the end and will not prove false. Though it tarries, wait for it — it will surely come; it will not delay.
  11. ↩Ps.41.2;Ps.43.1 — Blessed is the one who has regard for the poor; in the day of trouble, the LORD delivers him. Ps.43.1 — Vindicate me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation; rescue me from the deceitful and unjust man.
  12. ↩Ps.62.5;Ps.64.4 — Only in God be still, my soul, for my hope comes from him. Only he is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken. Ps.64.4 — They have sharpened their tongue like a sword, they have bent their bow — a bitter word.
  13. ↩Matt.15.23 — But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, "Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.
  14. ↩Ps.30.11;Ps.31.16;Ps.89.1;Ps.90.13 — You turned my wailing into dancing for me; you removed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness. Ps.31.16 — Let my times be in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my pursuers. Ps.89.1 — A maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite. Ps.90.13 — Return, O LORD—how long?—and relent concerning your servants.
  15. ↩Ps.91.11 — For he will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.
  16. ↩Ps.91.11 — For he will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.
  17. ↩Ps.116.12 — What shall I return to the LORD, for all his benefits toward me?
  18. ↩1Tim.1.17 — Now to the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
  19. ↩Jas.1.17 — Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

Notes

  1. 1 ↩The form 'iia' is uncertain in the manuscript; it is rendered here as an adverb ('in the same way'), the most plausible sense given the parallel structure with the Psalm verse. The verb 'Sicxit' is likely a variant or corruption of 'sitiit' (has thirsted).
  2. 2 ↩'prcecordiis' is an uncertain spelling, normalized as 'praecordiis' (inmost parts, heart). The sense is clear though the manuscript form is irregular.
  3. 3 ↩The manuscript reads 'post ^e', where the caret likely marks an abbreviation for 'eum' (him). The antecedent is the Lord, consistent with the Canaaneean woman's persistent crying after Christ.
  4. 4 ↩'etdeprecabilis' appears to be a compound form meaning 'and merciful / approachable in prayer' (et + deprecabilis). The sense is clear though the form is unusual.
  5. 5 ↩'ccbIo' is an uncertain spelling, normalized as 'caelo' (heaven). The abbreviation or corruption is clear from the context of the standard psalm petition 'Respice de caelo'.

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