Prayer and uncertainty
This morning at Chapter, the abbot gave a good talk on Lectio Divina, and how important it is to spend time every day in developing this discipline. True, it does take effort, all prayer for it takes an important place in one's life takes persistence. Actually, anything worthwhile does.
For monks, it is the Scriptures that are the main source of Lectio, but not the only source. In Lectio, we learn to listen, and to not rush. Even if we only have a few minutes, we can stay calm, and try to settle, and open up our mind and heart to the action of the Holy Spirit.
The more we practice, we also understand that all of life is like a book that can speak to us on many levels if we but listen. A life long journey for me.
For instance, with the pandemic that is developing it is going to be game-changer on many levels. It is certainly allowing us to delve more deeply into the fragility of our lives, and how interconnected we are.
Being 71, with some health issues, I could become a statistic if I were to become ill. This has given me pause and is forcing me to re-think more deeply about what I truly seek in my life. Along with the fact that life is so very short and time precious.
I have learned, which I believe most people do as they age and hopefully mature, is that we all have burdens, and no one is without suffering in their lives. As well, there is a great deal of messiness in our lives. This should make for the understanding that compassion is needed in dealing with others, as well as with ourselves.
Who knows where we will be in a few months. That uncertainty will hopefully help us all to seek to listen, and to learn to see others on a deeper level.--Br.MD
