Caryll Houselander has been a favorite author of many – the first time I encountered her writing was through reading about a mystical experience she had that always comes to my mind with the crowning of thorns. She describes the incident in her book
A ROCKING HORSE CATHOLIC, and states: “…I had an experience, lasting for probably less than half a minute and almost indescribable, but one which has influenced the rest of my life.”
The experience she describes has also influenced my life, and undoubtedly the lives of thousands of others. It tells of how as a child she saw the crown of thorns appear on the brow of a persecuted and devout German nun during World War II.
The Sister was suffering deeply from rejection, loneliness and interior pain, when the young Caryll approached her, intending to help her with the polishing of some children’s shoes. Seeing how distraught the Sister was, Caryll was embarrassed and didn’t know what to say – she lowered her eyes and stood still for a while. When she looked up, she saw on the Sister’s head the crown of thorns. Dumbfounded, she stared for a little bit, and then said, “I would not cry, if I was wearing the crown of thorns like you are.”
The Sister asked in her broken English, “What you mean?” and Caryll responded, “I don’t know,” and explains that at the time she didn’t understand what she had seen. But then together the two of them polished the shoes…
Lord God, open my eyes to see Your pain and suffering in the lives of those I meet – the wounds in Your hands, feet and side; the crown of thorns on Your head. May I recognize You in them, and bring Your mercy and love to my fellow pilgrims on this journey of life ~
Spiritual Sun Pennies 