Contemplative Haven: May I Ask Who's Calling? 
May I Ask Who's Calling?
If we are all called by baptism to contemplation, we have to wonder why, comparatively speaking, contemplatives appear to be few within the Body of Christ. What becomes of this call from God for the deepest of unions with Him?
Perhaps we could use the analogy of the simple telephone call to explore different reasons as to why more people do not readily receive and respond.
First of all, the call comes from God, through grace. Are we open to grace? Are we open to receiving it, or do we shut ourselves off with our busy-ness? Do we have so many lines going at once that we can't focus on one conversation at a time? Do we turn down the ringer-volume or pull the jack out of the wall, particularly by infrequent reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion?
Are we selective in what we are open to hearing? Do we use the block-call feature too often, in an attempt to allow God in only when it is convenient for us? Or maybe we use call-waiting, fooling ourselves into believing we have unlimited time to get back to Him, that this age of grace will last forever, and after all, someone else is on the line. Do we put Him on hold, or call-forward: "I'll listen to what You have to say, Lord, when I get to a better place in my life." Are we, for whatever reason, afraid to answer the phone?
It must be admitted that sometimes we actually do not hear the phone ring. We are in another part of the house, or outside, or in the middle of noisy activities, using vacuums, washing machines, high-powered blenders. But God leaves messages. Do we listen to His messages when we are back inside, or when the noise level drops? Do we ensure that there are periods when we are back inside, with quiet time in which to listen to His voice, reflect on what He says, enter into conversation with Him, and rest in His presence - a block of time when He receives our undivided attention and we will not be interrupted?
Sometimes we receive messages through less-than-perfect intermediaries. How often have we had trouble in returning a call because the handwriting was unclear, or the number incorrect? Do we have the patience, persistence and interest in deciphering the message, because we understand the importance of the call-back?
There are other ways to continue this analogy - I'm sure you can think of many. But it seems to me that the most important thing is openness to receiving, and the awareness that Someone is trying to reach us.
For union with the Lord, for this ongoing call to contemplation, I want to be like someone who carries a cell phone that is fully-charged and always on - I want to be available, contactable and ready to listen, 24/7.
Perhaps we could use the analogy of the simple telephone call to explore different reasons as to why more people do not readily receive and respond.
First of all, the call comes from God, through grace. Are we open to grace? Are we open to receiving it, or do we shut ourselves off with our busy-ness? Do we have so many lines going at once that we can't focus on one conversation at a time? Do we turn down the ringer-volume or pull the jack out of the wall, particularly by infrequent reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion?
Are we selective in what we are open to hearing? Do we use the block-call feature too often, in an attempt to allow God in only when it is convenient for us? Or maybe we use call-waiting, fooling ourselves into believing we have unlimited time to get back to Him, that this age of grace will last forever, and after all, someone else is on the line. Do we put Him on hold, or call-forward: "I'll listen to what You have to say, Lord, when I get to a better place in my life." Are we, for whatever reason, afraid to answer the phone?
It must be admitted that sometimes we actually do not hear the phone ring. We are in another part of the house, or outside, or in the middle of noisy activities, using vacuums, washing machines, high-powered blenders. But God leaves messages. Do we listen to His messages when we are back inside, or when the noise level drops? Do we ensure that there are periods when we are back inside, with quiet time in which to listen to His voice, reflect on what He says, enter into conversation with Him, and rest in His presence - a block of time when He receives our undivided attention and we will not be interrupted?
Sometimes we receive messages through less-than-perfect intermediaries. How often have we had trouble in returning a call because the handwriting was unclear, or the number incorrect? Do we have the patience, persistence and interest in deciphering the message, because we understand the importance of the call-back?
There are other ways to continue this analogy - I'm sure you can think of many. But it seems to me that the most important thing is openness to receiving, and the awareness that Someone is trying to reach us.
For union with the Lord, for this ongoing call to contemplation, I want to be like someone who carries a cell phone that is fully-charged and always on - I want to be available, contactable and ready to listen, 24/7.
posted by Gabrielle at 10:13 AM
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