Gloss on Pascal’s Memorial

Pascal’s most intimate religious work is the Memorial. This scrap of paper, which records Pascal’s experience on one unforgettable night in 1654, was found in the lining of his coat after his death, for he carried this reminder about with him always.

Shining Cross. The Cross is light which radiates into all things and gives them their being, illuminates the hearts of men unto the knowledge of God.

The year of grace 1654. Not any year, but the year of grace — God in time, kairos.

Monday. Day of the Moon, reflection of the Sun, the light of the Cross reflecting on the heart of man.

St. Clement, Pope and Martyr. First Father of the Church. First Successor of St. Peter. Martyred by anchor, the seas recede every year to reveal the shrine of his bones. The anchor by its gravity brings us through the waters to the centre of the earth. This is hope, which leads us easily and speedily through the worries of this world towards our final end. The anchor is also the Cross over the Crescent, the victory of Christ over the sublunar, over Hell, which was accomplished also in the middle of the earth.

Vigil. Evening. Waking, keeping watch, in the night. Veille, veil, reveal. In the night which is this life those who wake pierce beyond the veil and light is revealed to their eyes.