Butterflies blossom forth from the soul that is close to the living God. This act of worship – the essence of our eternal life – nevertheless can only ever be the result of a slow and long process of dying to self where that ugly caterpillar spins its own deathbed. Enveloping its entire being, the cocoon indeed is a self-emptying project which demands the worm’s entire energy, effort and focus. Only when all things have been consumed in this single-minded undertaking, is the death final enough for some new and unexpected life to begin. Though we are built for a butterflied way of being, how easy it is to not complete the cocooning process! There are relationships we simply care not to examine, certain habits we never allow ourselves to be conscious of, and attachments that we cannot bear the thought of relinquishing. Yet, the message is unambiguous, the tomb that lets in even the slightest amount of light will spoil the brilliant colors and the glorious emergence of the new creature. Let’s therefore not be afraid to go all the way and ensure that everything is covered in silk. Then, out of this dark and narrow place, that same everything shall taste life for the first time. Ave Crux, Spes Unica!
April 10, 2021
Published
Voice of Moreau 
Beautiful writing here Ben and Phil–thank you for this message!
Peace to you brother TK and thank you! Indeed, ‘cocooning’ in this sense means that instead of the ego wrapping the deeper part of ourselves in what we want (which is ‘the inward caving of the self’ and the standard way of operating in our society), the ego instead spends itself on others making our depths available to the living God. Now that’s a winning combination – love God and serve others – which makes us like Christ and gives us a life that lasts.
Perfect analogy! Peace, brothers!