Contemplative Haven: Life in a Header 
Life in a Header
Once embarked on the contemplative journey, we find that it pervades every aspect of our lives. Everything becomes a source of reflection or meditation, and can be used by the Lord to eventually lead us into contemplation. Building the header for this blog is a case in point.
I wanted images that would portray what I consider to be essential, both as starting points for meditation and, of course, as sacred experiences in our lives; and so, I chose the Sacred Heart and the Cross, the Eucharist, the Rosary and the Holy Trinity.
I had also wanted an image of the Blessed Sacrament, but was not able to find one that seemed to suit, or to fit exactly right. The more I tried, the more frustrated I became, until finally I decided to just stop trying, telling myself that I could always go back to it at a later date. Then there was a gentle whisper in my soul, reminding me that the same thing has been going on in my real life. My "inability" to spend time in front of the Blessed Sacrament has been an ongoing heartache for me. Family responsibilities and the work-a-day world leave little free time; I just cannot seem to "fit it in". When I am able to go, it's generally just for a few minutes at a time, and this too I allow to discourage me.
So something has to be done; no more excuses, no more self-imposed heartache. He may not allow me hours at a time, but what He gives me I will accept, with gratitude, and I will make a greater effort to place it as a priority in my weekly schedule.
It may seem odd that if we are experiencing contemplative prayer and practising the presence of God we should feel so strongly about sitting in front of the Blessed Sacrament; people may say, well, isn't it all one and the same? This is a difficult question. I know God lives in me; I know I never have to be separated from Him, but this, I believe, is primarily spiritual. When I sit in front of the Blessed Sacrament, I do feel a physical presence as well, so much so that when I have to leave, the walking away from Him is a near impossibility. I do not know if others experience it this way; I have never asked anyone. How can I walk away? How can I leave Him there?
During this week leading up to Divine Mercy Sunday, my thoughts are often with Saint Faustina. She knew of this painful parting as well, as we can see in her Diary, but her response was one of total self-giving:
"Oh, who will comprehend Your love and Your unfathomable mercy toward us!
O Prisoner of Love, I lock up my poor heart in this tabernacle, that it may adore
You without cease night and day. I know of no obstacle in this adoration, and even
though I be physically distant, my heart is always with You. Nothing can put a stop
to my love for You. No obstacles exist for me."
Oh, that we could arrive at the point of "knowing no obstacles", real or imagined.
I wanted images that would portray what I consider to be essential, both as starting points for meditation and, of course, as sacred experiences in our lives; and so, I chose the Sacred Heart and the Cross, the Eucharist, the Rosary and the Holy Trinity.
I had also wanted an image of the Blessed Sacrament, but was not able to find one that seemed to suit, or to fit exactly right. The more I tried, the more frustrated I became, until finally I decided to just stop trying, telling myself that I could always go back to it at a later date. Then there was a gentle whisper in my soul, reminding me that the same thing has been going on in my real life. My "inability" to spend time in front of the Blessed Sacrament has been an ongoing heartache for me. Family responsibilities and the work-a-day world leave little free time; I just cannot seem to "fit it in". When I am able to go, it's generally just for a few minutes at a time, and this too I allow to discourage me.
So something has to be done; no more excuses, no more self-imposed heartache. He may not allow me hours at a time, but what He gives me I will accept, with gratitude, and I will make a greater effort to place it as a priority in my weekly schedule.
It may seem odd that if we are experiencing contemplative prayer and practising the presence of God we should feel so strongly about sitting in front of the Blessed Sacrament; people may say, well, isn't it all one and the same? This is a difficult question. I know God lives in me; I know I never have to be separated from Him, but this, I believe, is primarily spiritual. When I sit in front of the Blessed Sacrament, I do feel a physical presence as well, so much so that when I have to leave, the walking away from Him is a near impossibility. I do not know if others experience it this way; I have never asked anyone. How can I walk away? How can I leave Him there?
During this week leading up to Divine Mercy Sunday, my thoughts are often with Saint Faustina. She knew of this painful parting as well, as we can see in her Diary, but her response was one of total self-giving:
"Oh, who will comprehend Your love and Your unfathomable mercy toward us!
O Prisoner of Love, I lock up my poor heart in this tabernacle, that it may adore
You without cease night and day. I know of no obstacle in this adoration, and even
though I be physically distant, my heart is always with You. Nothing can put a stop
to my love for You. No obstacles exist for me."
Oh, that we could arrive at the point of "knowing no obstacles", real or imagined.
posted by Gabrielle at 9:54 PM
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