In the contemplative life this renunciation must be effected in our inmost heart. Only pure hearts may see God (Matthew 5:8). The more intimate the union to which we aspire, the greater our purity of heart must be. Only simple and humble poverty is able to receive the infinite without appropriating it. Only pure love, that seeks no return for itself can love Love.
It is good to be aware from the beginning that it is this to which we are called: not to a perfection or usefulness according to our standard, but an almost unbearable, shattering encounter with Love that ravages and burns all that is not him.
ANONYMOUS CARTHUSIAN The Call of Silent Love