Cleaving to God - St. Albert the Great

A Short Summer Reading of a Classic Spiritual Text

Throughout July, I will post (daily) a short chapter of St. Albert the Great's work Cleaving to God. My hope is that you will find this work useful in your prayer life and an encouragement to grow closer to Jesus Christ and His Church.

About Cleaving to God

Cleaving to God represents one of the seminal works by St. Albert the Great, illuminating his profound spirituality and keen understanding of Christian doctrine. Within this text, St. Albert articulates the journey towards a deeper union with God, providing a roadmap for spiritual transformation. He advocates for absolute devotion and a life rooted in love, humility, and service. The work emphasizes the vital need for detachment from worldly concerns, highlighting that true connection with the divine requires surrendering oneself entirely to God's will. Cleaving to God is an enduring testament to St. Albert's extraordinary wisdom and is a precious guide for those seeking spiritual fulfillment and a closer relationship with God.

St. Albert the Great: A Brilliant Scholar and a Beacon of Holiness

Albertus Magnus, known as St. Albert the Great, stands as one of the most significant figures of the High Middle Ages, combining brilliant academic prowess with profound spirituality. His influential works and exemplary life continue to inspire the faithful and scholars alike.

St. Albert was born in Lauingen, Germany, around 1200. From a young age, his intelligence was apparent. However, it was his avid curiosity and unwavering perseverance that set the foundation for his remarkable academic career. He joined the Dominican Order, an influential religious order founded by St. Dominic. Albert’s decision to embrace the Dominican life, centered on study, prayer, and preaching, paved the way for his future intellectual and spiritual accomplishments.

Throughout his life, Albert displayed extraordinary academic talents in a broad spectrum of subjects, making notable contributions in philosophy, theology, natural science, and more. As a scholar, he possessed a comprehensive view of human knowledge, melding the then-popular Aristotelian philosophy with Christian thought. His encyclopedic work, De animalibus, is considered one of the greatest compilations of scientific knowledge in the Middle Ages. Albert's pioneering spirit promoted the development of an empirical approach to science, merging observation and logic, which laid significant groundwork for future scientists.

In his role within the Dominican Order, Albert rose through the ranks due to his intellect and dedication, eventually becoming Provincial of the German Province. It was here he guided the Dominican friars, imbuing them with his intellectual vision and nurturing a pursuit of knowledge combined with deep faith. Albert’s influence extended to his students, including the legendary theologian Thomas Aquinas, whom Albert recognized for his potential and nurtured.

St. Albert's scholarly pursuits were always in the service of his faith. Despite his vast intellectual achievements, Albert was most recognized for his sanctity and holiness. He led an ascetic lifestyle, demonstrating deep humility and charity. His life was marked by prayer, compassion, and an unwavering devotion to God and the Church. Such a combination of intellect and piety remains a model for Christian scholars today.

Pope Pius XI canonized St. Albert in 1931 and declared him a Doctor of the Church a year later, further acknowledging his intellectual and spiritual contributions to Christianity. In recognition of his work in the natural sciences, he was named the patron saint of scientists in 1941.

St. Albert the Great, in his extraordinary blend of academic talents and holiness, has left an enduring legacy within the Dominican Order, the Church, and the academic world. His life serves as an inspiring testament that intellectual pursuit and profound faith are not only compatible but can beautifully complement each other.

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