Confused abou the use of the term "violence" in Carmelite writings

[HonoraDominum]

A few weeks ago, while reading “The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus” by St. Teresa of Avila, I came across a phrase that I could not understand:

1. O infinite goodness of my God! I seem to see Thee and myself in this relation to one another. O Joy of the angels! when I consider it, I wish I could wholly die of love! How true it is that Thou endurest those who will not endure Thee! Oh, how good a friend art Thou, O my Lord! how Thou comfortest and endurest, and also waitest for them to make themselves like unto Thee, and yet, in the meanwhile, art Thyself so patient of the state they are in! Thou takest into account the occasions during which they seek Thee, and for a moment of penitence forgettest their offences against Thyself.

1. I have seen this distinctly in my own case, and I cannot tell why the whole world does not labour to draw near to Thee in this particular friendship. The wicked, who do not resemble Thee, ought to do so, in order that Thou mayest make them good, and for that purpose should permit Thee to remain with them at least for two hours daily, even though they may not remain with Thee but, as I used to do, with a thousand distractions, and with worldly thoughts. In return for this violence which they offer to themselves for the purpose of remaining in a company so good as Thine—for at first they can do no more, and even afterwards at times—Thou, O Lord, defendest them against the assaults of evil spirits, whose power Thou restrainest, and even lessenest daily, giving to them the victory over these their enemies. So it is, O Life of all lives, Thou slayest none that put their trust in Thee, and seek Thy friendship; yea, rather, Thou sustainest their bodily life in greater vigour, and makest their soul to live.

Then today, while reading “Divine Intimacy”, Chapter 40 ("Jesus the Universal King), I read this quote, with what looked to be a different use of the word “violence”.

His reign is one of love: out of love for us and to save us, He came down from heaven and became one of us. He died on the Cross for the same reason, shedding all His sacred blood for us. Jesus reigns in the crib; He reigns from the height of the Cross. Behold the price He paid to win our poor hearts, He who by His very nature was already our absolute ruler. Let us not resist the gentle violence of His infinite love; let us give ourselves entirely to Him, allowing Him to reign in our minds, in our wills, and in our hearts.

I don’t understand why distraction in prayer would be violence to oneself, and I don’t understand the concept of not resisting the “gentle violence” of Christ. Can anyone add some clarity to these two passages for me? Thank you so much!

 

[bmullins]

Violence in our culture means only anger, and destructive forces. Violence can also mean ‘strength of emotion.’ Being overwhelmed by love could be seen as violent, as it assaults your senses and brings you to your knees. When we submit ourselves to God we often do experience a violence of sorts.

When you attempt to meditate in silence the mind becomes violent, overwhelming you with needs. Did I leave the stove on? What am I going to do about the bills? How on earth am I gonna get the kids to play practice next week with work? Wait is that meeting tomorrow or Friday? Did I throw away the box from that pop tart?

We submit ourselves to that, in order to draw closer to God who can also overwhelm the mind. Waging a war against our flesh, and pushing it down. Helping us to fight the battle of our self, in order to make way for only him.

 

[paduard]

Violence in our culture means only anger, and destructive forces. Violence can also mean ‘strength of emotion.’ Being overwhelmed by love could be seen as violent, as it assaults your senses and brings you to your knees. When we submit ourselves to God we often do experience a violence of sorts.

When you attempt to meditate in silence the mind becomes violent, overwhelming you with needs. Did I leave the stove on? What am I going to do about the bills? How on earth am I gonna get the kids to play practice next week with work? Wait is that meeting tomorrow or Friday? Did I throw away the box from that pop tart?

We submit ourselves to that, in order to draw closer to God who can also overwhelm the mind. Waging a war against our flesh, and pushing it down. Helping us to fight the battle of our self, in order to make way for only him.

I agree entirely with that response. It is nigh on impossible to avoid distractions and attempting to do so can be said as a form of violence one inflicts upon oneself.