Virtuous comportment, the reflection of an enlightened mind. Those ornaments of the mind—maxims, doctrine, wise sayings, and so on— if one be truly wise, will appear in comportment. To elucidate, "The body is an image of the mind," the Mellifluous Doctor states, "which, like an effulgent light scattering forth its rays, is diffused through its members and senses, shining through in action, discourse, appearance, movement-- even in laughter, if it is completely sincere and tinged with gravity."
And yet many enlightened minds do not possess virtuous comportment. But why? They perhaps succumbed to this particular temptation-- to keep the mind's adornments hidden. The Mellifluous Doctor, however, replies to it saying, "It is necessary that [one] should emerge into the open, just like the light hidden under a bushel: a light shining in the dark is not trying to conceal itself." What would happen if one still conceals his knowledge from his comportment even after this exhortation?
A light under a bushel can suffocate. The knowledge the soul labored ardently to ornament his mind can be lost and never fully understood if it is never— or half-heartedly— exhibited. These ornaments would tarnish and disintegrate.
Here is an example of the opposite, when the Almighty sent the Celestial Gabriel to bestow upon Mary the title of Mother of God, he did not hide but appeared before Her with a sublime comportment. His interior decorum emerged into the open.
"The appearance of the great prince and legate was that of a most handsome youth of rarest beauty; his face emitted resplendent rays of light, his bearing was grave and majestic, his advance measured, his motions composed, his words weighty and powerful, his whole presence displayed a pleasing, kindly gravity and more of godlike qualities than all the other angels until then seen in visible form by the heavenly Mistress. He wore a diadem of exquisite splendor and his vestments glowed in various colors full of refulgent beauty. Enchased on his breast, he bore a most beautiful cross, disclosing the mystery of the Incarnation, which He had come to announce. All these circumstances were calculated to rivet the affectionate attention of the most prudent Queen."
"So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." One should emerge as St. Gabriel, applying what he has learned; those maxims, doctrines, wise sayings, and so on should appear before all men. Only then will he show himself to truly have an enlightened mind, not so much by words but by comportment.
Komentar