The Influence of Literature on My Spirituality
Since my youth, literature has been an inexhaustible source of inspiration, affecting not only my way of seeing the world, but also my relationship with faith and with God. Today I want to share two poetic quotes that have left a deep mark on my spiritual path.
A Literary First Love: La Celestina
I vividly remember the first time I read ‘La Celestina’. She was almost fifteen years old and immersed in a world of emotional discovery. That moment marked the beginning of a special relationship with God, a friendship that, despite being a teenager and perhaps too emotional, provided me with a life force that I will always be grateful for.
Calixto and Melibea: A Reflection on Love
Calixto’s words to Melibea echoed in my heart: ‘I am Melibea and I adore Melibea, and I create Melibea and I love Melibea’. Although at that time I was exploring the first adolescent ‘loves’, I also discovered the pleasure of loving God, especially through the figure of Jesus. He understood that deep love for Christ was the essence of what it meant to be ‘Christian’.
The Poetics of Self-Affirmation
It may seem unusual to the new generations, but my experience as an educator has shown me that this feeling of devotion can be deeply understood. One of my favorite verses, by Pedro Salinas, ‘Qué alegría más alta vivir en los pronombres’, encapsulates this idea of self-affirmation and identity through love.
Poetry as a Vehicle of Faith
My inclination towards Castilian poetry may be a reflection of my academic past, where Catalan literature was relegated. However, the theme of love and devotion transcends language barriers. I would like that every time we identify ourselves as ‘Christians’, we do it with the same intensity and passion that Calixto felt for Melibea.
Conclusion: A Living Commitment
I wish that we can affirm our faith with the same conviction with which Calixto proclaimed his love. Being a Christian for me means worshiping, loving and believing in Jesus, a name that, in its simplicity, encapsulates my joy and my commitment to faith. In every ‘He’ I utter, there is a world of meaning and devotion that guides me every day.
