My Soul Is Thirsting

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calling, Cynthia Bourgeault, homecoming, mystery, paths, pilgrimage, psalm 63, relationship, resonance, spiritual journey, The Sophia Center for Spirituality, thirst, Thomas Merton

This morning the psalmist cries out: My soul is  thirsting for you, my God! The whole of Psalm 63 is a passionate expression of what it means to be on a spiritual journey and is as relevant today as it was in the lifetime of Jesus or of the Israelites in the desert. Each of us is called, as we wake up to the necessity of relationship with something greater than ourselves, to search for what slakes that thirst. Some of us “go it alone” but most find companions on the way whose desire mirrors our own.

Today I leave on what I have come to see as both pilgrimage and homecoming while 14 people, some still sleeping across our yard, have come here to go deeper in their spiritual quest. Neither is preferable; both lead us on to more meaningful living. I will be sharing this week with about 80 seekers, many my “familiars,” in the hometown of my teacher, Cynthia Bourgeault. It is worth the 12-hour drive (only half of which I will do by myself) to touch back for a week into an experience of deep resonance that has been building in me for the past dozen years. I could just as well stay home in the company of another inspired teacher whose language is not as familiar but whose depth and spiritual authority I highly respect. But I go with expectation and joy.

There is mystery in our callings toward God. This morning I celebrate the variety of paths that lead us irrevocably to conscious union. For me, today, Thomas Merton says it best.

My only desire is to give myself completely to the action of this infinite love, Who is God, Who demands to transform me into Himself secretly, darkly, in simplicity, in a way that has no drama about it and is infinitely beyond everything spectacular and astonishing, so is its significance and its power. (Entering the Silence, p.48)

 

 

 

 

 

Encourage Your Companions!

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joy, Lent, paths, praise God, psalm 34, stay the course, The Sophia Center for Spirituality, trouble-hearted, walk in the light

As I continue to consider this Lent as a journey, I am struck again this morning with the power of the Psalms for support along the way. This morning the psalmist is not only in conversation with God but also with those whose paths intersect from day to day. The sentiments remind me not only to praise God for all that occurs but also to encourage my companions to stay the course and walk in the light. May we all be willing today to do the same.

My soul fills up and overflows with joy; all humble-hearted ones know this. They too are glad. O you who hear and know this inner state of joy, praise God with me, join strength to strength, your praise with mine. For I went out in search of you, my God, and when I found you near and listening, my fears and terrors fled away at last. Turn then, and look at God, your face shall also shine, glistening, but not with tears. And even in the midst of troubles sore, look long and never be ashamed. See, it is God who hears and saves your life. (Psalm 34)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Staying on the Path

Tags

clear, determined, joy in your presence, life path, mistakes, obscure, paths, prayer, show me, The Sophia Center for Spirituality

Yesterday afternoon I had a little time to walk around the grounds at this beautiful retreat and conference center that encompasses 1,400 acres. There are many paths to choose, some mostly sunlit, some deeper in the woods. Some of the paths are clearly marked and some partially obscured by leaves and twigs and undergrowth. They all lead in beautiful directions even though some demand more care in the walking. It was difficult to choose a path yesterday as I needed to be aware of my time limits and sure I could get back to the conference room by 3:00.

Life is sometimes like that. There are paths that I clearly knew to avoid. Other choices are more difficult, especially if some of the stops along the way are not clear in the beginning. At this moment in time I feel as if I am determined on a life path, although my walk is sometimes slow and careful in order to avoid some of the directional mistakes I made in the past. Now my prayer is with the psalmist who sings confidently this morning, Lord, you will show me the path of life, fullness of joy in your presence!