One of the fundamental principles of contemplative practice and contemplative living is that God is only ever truly found in what is – hence the deep and open attention of contemplative practice. This principle can be hard to accept when our “what is” comes to be steeped in pain, suffering, and loss. The natural human response to pain and suffering often runs precisely counter to what would normally be considered a “contemplative stance,” as we tend to want to close ourselves off, to hide, and to do anything to avoid such experiences.
While no one would dare deny the immense difficulty that is often part of life, in such times, we must always hold in our hearts that one of the defining characteristics of God who we seek in contemplative practice is healer. Though it most assuredly takes practice and a commitment to stay present at times when we wish we could be anywhere but right here, right now, contemplative welcoming and detachment in the midst of suffering offers a profound opportunity for God to reveal Godself precisely as healer, an opportunity that could be missed if we close ourselves off. In this way, letting the love of God into our hurt becomes a privileged avenue for relationship with the Divine, an opportunity to see that in God which can only manifest in suffering,
Join us for “Contemplative Rosary: Rosary for Peace,” Tuesday, June 18, 6:30-7:30pm in church. Contact us at 314-578-0062 or [email protected] for more information!