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When we think about interstellar space and our beautiful Mother Earth, the beauty of God's Creation, we should bow in humble adoration. How often we think we are in charge--but we are not. All rests in God's hands, hands which mold us each and every day if we open ourselves to it. We do not like to think of being submissive to anyone or anything; it doesn't jive with our 21st century minds.
Our physical bodies come from the dust of the earth and there return one day. That, too, should humble us, challenging us not to grasp at that garment which must fall, though still honoring it, for our God formed it and became Incarnate.
We, furthermore, need remember that God loves everyone, even those we don't. We must strive to see that of God within them and realize those that annoy us perhaps serve as our best teachers.
Humans, as well as animals, plants and even rocks can teach us, if we allow our perception and sight to broaden. We must be grateful to them all.
A key component to remaining grounded involves giving thanks to all our teachers. It means thanking God for everything, always. It is not what we say--talk is cheap--but how we act, an attitude. It, furthermore, means forgiving others the wrongs they do and asking forgiveness.
Sometimes, God seems to pull away. God is dead to us; it is, frankly, quite terrifying, because God cannot be perceived as before. The senses used then to realize the Divine no longer function; all is dark. When one goes through it, the fact that the Beloved is turning the compost, as it were, cannot be grasped. This takes place only in retrospect. All one can do is have faith and persevere, keep praying, remain rooted. No way exists around this experience, except right through it, not knowing when or if it will end. Too many step off the Path here, right when staying on it is needed.
Living humbly calls one to even deeper prayer for all our brothers and sisters and the entirety of Creation. It means standing to face the evil of our times, and allowing the Holy Spirit to strengthen us in fighting it through both silent witness and action...
Our physical bodies come from the dust of the earth and there return one day. That, too, should humble us, challenging us not to grasp at that garment which must fall, though still honoring it, for our God formed it and became Incarnate.
We, furthermore, need remember that God loves everyone, even those we don't. We must strive to see that of God within them and realize those that annoy us perhaps serve as our best teachers.
Humans, as well as animals, plants and even rocks can teach us, if we allow our perception and sight to broaden. We must be grateful to them all.
A key component to remaining grounded involves giving thanks to all our teachers. It means thanking God for everything, always. It is not what we say--talk is cheap--but how we act, an attitude. It, furthermore, means forgiving others the wrongs they do and asking forgiveness.
Sometimes, God seems to pull away. God is dead to us; it is, frankly, quite terrifying, because God cannot be perceived as before. The senses used then to realize the Divine no longer function; all is dark. When one goes through it, the fact that the Beloved is turning the compost, as it were, cannot be grasped. This takes place only in retrospect. All one can do is have faith and persevere, keep praying, remain rooted. No way exists around this experience, except right through it, not knowing when or if it will end. Too many step off the Path here, right when staying on it is needed.
Living humbly calls one to even deeper prayer for all our brothers and sisters and the entirety of Creation. It means standing to face the evil of our times, and allowing the Holy Spirit to strengthen us in fighting it through both silent witness and action...
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A life is either all spiritual or not spiritual at all. No man can serve two masters. Your life is shaped by the end you live for. You are made in the image of what you desire.
~Thomas Merton, ocso
~Thomas Merton, ocso
