Chapter 61-63

Chapter 61

  • A Holy Friar Comes to Lynn

    • A famous friar known for his preaching arrives in Lynn.

    • Margery is delighted and thanks God for this good man.

  • The Sermon at St. James's Chapel

    • The friar preaches a sermon in a chapel of St. James.

    • The parish priest warns the friar about a woman (Margery) who often cries during sermons, particularly those about Christ’s Passion.

    • The friar is asked to bear with her if she makes noise.

  • Margery’s Emotional Response

    • During the sermon, Margery is moved by the friar's words; she tries to contain her emotions but eventually cries out bitterly.

    • The friar bears with her patiently, not reacting to her outburst.

  • Further Preaching and Margery's Reflection

    • In subsequent sermons, Margery feels joy seeing many people come to listen to the word of God.

    • She prays for the congregation, asking that the Holy Word settle in their souls as it does in hers.

    • Her intense devotion leads her to weep violently during one of the sermons.

    • The friar expresses a desire for her to leave the church, suggesting she annoys others.

Chapter 62

  • Slander and Spiritual Comfort

    • Margery faces slander from those who criticize her for crying and those who complain when she does not cry.

    • She endures both physical and emotional pain, yet this suffering increases her spiritual comfort.

  • Divine Assurance

    • Margery receives a message from the Lord, assuring her that these sufferings are part of her path to heaven.

    • The Lord compares her suffering to His own and informs her about the friar's evil opinion of her.

    • He promises her eventual vindication and that many will come to love her as they have despised her.

  • Acceptance of Suffering

    • Margery acknowledges her unworthiness and expresses gratitude for her soul's salvation through God’s mercy.

    • She is reassured that God will provide for her needs, emphasizing the importance of loving Him wholeheartedly.

Chapter 63

  • Margery's Resilience and Continued Presence

    • Despite advice from friends to leave town because of growing animosity, Margery decides to stay, citing her sins as the reason for her suffering.

    • She expresses a desire for any wickedness spoken about her to serve as penance for her sins.

  • Conversations with Confessor

    • Her confessor expresses concern and suggests she avoid the friar's sermons.

    • Margery reassures him that she finds great comfort in her Lord, who tells her that the friar’s disdain is unfounded.

  • Divine Command and New Understanding

    • The Lord commands Margery to return to church, assuring her that her cries will lessen.

    • Margery obeys, and her loud cries transition to quieter sobs.

  • Public Perception

    • The friar preaches against her, leading others to voice their suspicions about her mental state.

    • Margery’s suffering intensifies due to slander and misunderstanding surrounding her emotional responses.

Chapter 64

  • Priests' Intervention

    • Two priests—one a doctor and the other a bachelor of law—attempt to persuade the friar to accept Margery's crying as a divine gift, but he dismisses their claims.

    • The friar conjectures that her crying might be due to a heart condition.

  • Margery's Conflict with the Friar

    • Margery refuses to label her crying as an illness and experiences immense sorrow over the prohibition from hearing the friar’s sermons.

  • Absence from Sermons

    • Excluded from the friar’s sermons for years, she still attends other clerics’ sermons and cries openly without issue, further enhancing her emotional turmoil.

Chapter 65

  • Sermon on St. James's Day

    • The friar preaches in St. James's Chapel, where many gather due to his reputation.

    • Although not mentioning Margery by name, his remarks are understood to target her.

    • Many in attendance are upset by his words, indicating their support for Margery.

  • Response to the Sermon

    • The friar insists on silencing critics of his sermon, raising fears among those who might be supportive of Margery.

  • Shift in Perception

    • Despite the friar's disparagement, others, including a priest, start to recognize Margery's experiences as genuine spiritual encounters.

    • The priest later recalls the grace displayed by other holy women, solidifying his understanding of Margery's devotion.

  • Final Reflections

    • The text concludes with a reminder of God’s grace being bestowed upon whom He wishes, contrasting the friar’s harsh attitude with the acceptance of Margery’s emotional experience by other clergy.

    • Margery's journey highlights themes of faith, suffering, divine love, and public perception in her attempts to openly express her devotion to God.