This poem, by Joshua C. Frank, offers a dramatic retelling of St. Jerome’s struggle to reconcile his love of classical literature with his burgeoning Christian faith. Drawing inspiration from St. Jerome’s letter to St. Eustochium, Frank crafts a narrative poem that explores themes of temptation, divine judgment, and ultimately, spiritual transformation.
Contents
The Allure of Cicero
The poem opens with a vivid depiction of Jerome’s youthful pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Even in his pursuit of spiritual solace, he clings to his cherished collection of books, a testament to the enduring power of literature. However, this attachment becomes a source of internal conflict. Jerome finds himself drawn away from prayer and contemplation by the elegant prose of Cicero and the witty plays of Plautus.
Image: An ancient Roman reading a scroll.
This juxtaposition of sacred devotion and worldly pursuits highlights the poem’s central tension. Jerome, though striving for piety, is captivated by the intellectual and aesthetic pleasures of classical Roman writers. He acknowledges their “polished treasures, infinitely vast,” revealing a deep appreciation for their literary artistry.
Divine Intervention and Repentance
The poem then takes a dramatic turn. Jerome’s internal struggle manifests physically as he succumbs to illness. In this moment of weakness, he experiences a profound vision. He is confronted by Christ himself, who challenges Jerome’s professed faith. The accusation, “Thou liest, Ciceronian thou art,” cuts to the heart of Jerome’s conflict. His true treasure, the Lord reveals, lies not in divine scripture, but in the writings of pagan authors.
Image: A representation of St. Jerome.
This divine judgment serves as a turning point. Jerome, chastened and repentant, renounces his love of classical literature. He vows to abandon the “lies of heathen pen” and dedicate himself fully to the study of God’s word. This act of renunciation symbolizes a profound shift in Jerome’s priorities, a turning away from worldly knowledge and an embrace of spiritual truth.
A Lesson for Eustochium (and Us)
The poem concludes with a direct address to Eustochium, Jerome’s disciple. This concluding section elevates the poem beyond a simple historical narrative. Jerome’s personal struggle becomes a cautionary tale, a warning against the seductive power of worldly distractions. He implores Eustochium to identify her own “Cicero,” anything that hinders her devotion to God, and cast it out.
Image: A medieval manuscript page.
This message resonates even today. The poem invites us to reflect on our own attachments and priorities. What worldly pursuits, however seemingly innocuous, distract us from our higher purpose? Frank’s poem, through the lens of St. Jerome’s experience, prompts us to examine our own “treasures” and ensure they align with our deepest values.
Poetic Craft and Historical Context
Frank masterfully employs a narrative style that captures the drama and emotional intensity of Jerome’s spiritual journey. The use of direct speech in the vision scene adds a powerful immediacy, bringing the reader face-to-face with the divine. Furthermore, the inclusion of biblical allusions, such as “Where thy treasure is, there is thy heart,” grounds the poem in its historical and theological context.
This poem serves as a compelling exploration of the complex relationship between faith and literature. It reminds us that even the pursuit of knowledge and beauty can become a stumbling block on the path to spiritual enlightenment. Through Jerome’s struggle and eventual triumph, Frank offers a timeless message about the importance of prioritizing our values and seeking truth in its purest form.