“My Lord and my God, take from me everything that keeps me from You. Give me everything that brings me closer to You. Let me no longer be mine, but entirely Yours.” (St. Nicholas of Flüe)
It is a humble supplication from St. Nicholas. The second part, on which we will dwell today, represents what in Catholic mysticism is called the “Way of Illumination”: “Give me everything that brings me closer to You.”
Indeed, after undergoing the basic purifications within ourselves—and let us remember, this is a work of love—Sacred Scripture begins to speak to us more vividly, and the presence of God becomes more evident and radiant. All that we have already received from our Heavenly Father becomes clearer and more precious through the presence of the Holy Spirit: the reception of the Holy Sacraments, the delight in the authentic doctrine of the Church, the witness of the saints, and so forth. In short, everything related to our Father becomes dearer to us, comforting our souls and shining in all its splendor.
We could also formulate this petition to our Father as follows: “Beloved Father, let me better recognize Your glory both for myself and to proclaim You more convincingly, love you even more, and reflect your presence more clearly in my life.”
The illuminative way also strengthens the spirit of discernment, which we so urgently need in times of subtle deception. Indeed, enlightenment in the Holy Spirit leads not only to a deeper knowledge of our Father’s goodness and being, but also to a clearer rejection of all that does not come from Him. Thus, we can break through the dense fog that prevents the Holy Spirit from enlightening us.
Therefore, there are many reasons to join St. Nicholas of Flüe in his supplication: “My Lord and my God, give me everything that brings me closer to You.”