Matthew under the arm 91

Someone was sitting beside the road resting from the pilgrimage playing a small stringed instrument, rather like a mandolin. What struck me most was not so much his playing which had a poise and gentleness to it, but it was how he prepared. He made sure that he was sitting on the stone wall as still and yet as supple as he could be, before playing. When he finished he didn't look up for appreciation or admiration. He allowed the silence to carry the music through the silence and, as it were, beyond himself. There were about five or six of us spell-bound and in stillness and silence ourselves. After a while, Columba approached me and whispered in my ear: 'Silent music...'


Matthew 19:10-12….
Jesus is not calling for heroism. Christianity has its heroes, but it is not heroism, being dependent on the Grace of God. Faith costs not less than everything. Who can do that? Marriage that is dedicated to loyalty can be heroic, but when it is a sign of the relationship between God and humanity, that is a gift. Jesus sees celibacy as an attitude of single-heartedness: an active sign, a sacrament of the coming Kingdom - availability for sacrificial service. That disciplined single-heartedness is not so much an attitude towards God, but from God to others, including those we love. Our love of anyone can be single-hearted by Grace. Celibacy and single-heartedness are indeed vocations...!

Let My Light and Truth dwell in your heart and in your actions


Single-heartedness comes from a disciplined practice of meditation and, of course, your life-style choices. The simpler the time of meditation is the better. Always begin with physical stillness and noticing your breathing. Refresh your memory of meditative practice from your own study, experience or indeed get in touch with me, if you would like some help. By an increased disciplined approach to single-heartedness in your meditation, then you don’t need a project for your following of Christ. It will happen almost as a habit from the heart of you, which has been trained and gifted in meditation.

+Martin
Argyll and The Isles