A Life of Pleasure and Vanity
One night, Ramon Llull, a wealthy man who infamously loved wine, women, and song, was sitting in his opulent home on the island of Majorca, off the coast of modern Spain. Wasting his life in frivolity and pleasure, he was composing a new tune on his lute; his quick fingers could not keep up with his even quicker mind as he spun new poetry on the spot, intent on winning the heart of his latest lover in a long string of ladies at court; but, then, a vision came to him that changed his life forever. His biography records: Suddenly, in the midst of the erotic song, he saw on his right hand, the Saviour hanging on His cross, the blood trickling from His hands and feet and brow, looking reproachfully at him. Ramon, conscience-struck, started up; he could sing no more.
The Moment of Conversion
Eight days after, he again attempted to finish the song and again took up the plea of an unrequited lover; but now again, as before, the image of Divine Love incarnate appeared in the agonised form of the Man of Sorrows. The dying eyes of the Saviour were fixed on him mournfully, pleadingly. Llull cast his lute aside, and threw himself on his bed, a prey to remorse. He felt engraved on his heart, as it were, the great spectacle of divine self-sacrifice. Ramon would later call this moment, “his conversion to penitence.” His focus was now on the painful acknowledgement of the wrong he had done to Christ. Thirty years old, with a wife and two children, a great deal of money, and a prestigious position as administrative head of the royal household of Aragon.
Reflection on a Wasted Life
Ramon realised with remorse that he had accomplished nothing and worse, that he had hurt people he loved, as he explained in his prayer of confession: ‘Trees bring forth every year flowers and fruit, each after their kind, whence mankind derives pleasure and profit; but, thus, it was not with me, sinful man that I am; for thirty years I brought forth no fruit in this world. I cumbered [made worse] the ground, nay, was noxious and hurtful to my friends and neighbours. Therefore, since a mere tree, which has neither intellect nor reason, is more fruitful than I have been, I am exceedingly ashamed and count myself worthy of great blame.’ Ramon was distraught over his thirty wasted years and did not know where to turn or what to do.
To be continued…
Date: 22nd June 2024
Martyr: Ramon Llull
Location: Not specified
Source: God’s Generals – The martyrs
Author: Richard Liardon
Suffering Saturday 096
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