Matthew under the arm 114
As I have seen many times on this pilgrimage, Columba, before he gets into his blanket, or under some rug-skin to sleep, kneels upright (and without leaning on anything) for about 10 or 15 minutes, no matter how tired he is. I asked him why? "Going to sleep is symbolic of preparing for death. Therefore this prayer is one of constant preparation!" With a wry smile he added that in any case, he may die that night, and, looking at me with a bigger smile... "...and so might you". Chuckle. Mmm. In the morning he rises early. The dawn of Christ crucified and risen. And that 'habit' has become vitally important for me. I wasn't a 'morning person'. Now I am. "Rise and listen to God before anything else pre-occupies your consciousness," spoke Columba with that hopeful ring to his voice. He used his 'Matthew' and what I discovered was his memorised prayers...mostly the psalms. Then there is silence, even in a room full of people. "Waiting and stillness", he added once "are the roots of the prophetic heart. In these attitudes we will sense in the air the rumour of God." These gifts of Christ I have come to realise are not what 'I' or indeed 'you' may do, but are gifts of God. My job is to let myself be there/here to receive them...obedience!
Matthew 23:33-39….
The genius of Judaism is that the simplicity of God is to be discovered in his intimacy with all creative and human activity. God therefore is the ultimate focus of every moment of our lives. When religious institutions and their leaders then behave otherwise, then there is a denial not only of God but what it is to be human and a significant as well as responsible part of creation. Political blueprints that, in effect, denied the underlying inspiration of God had corrupted Jerusalem theocratically inspired civic life. The prophets were (and are!) those who drew attention to that, sometimes in dramatic ways that lead to their rejection and in many cases 'liquidation' by the leaders of religious institutions. That disturbing process is as much if not a major cultural issue for us now.
Realise in your heart that I am the Source of Life in all you are and do.
This meditation is best practiced at the end of the day, but before you are too tired! Sit or kneel in silence and use the sentence to focus your mind into your heart. Then review each detail of your day. What were the priorities that governed your attitudes and your behaviour? Remember that you can write your thoughts or even symbolise them by drawing. Do not analyse, only observe. The meditation is not just about your shortcomings. You might consider how you can recall at various points during the day, God’s presence and his will for you and the context in which you are set. A simple form of prayer and reading in the morning, midday, evening and at night can help you maintain your spiritual compass-bearings. With some apprehension, I would add that for Christians this is an obligation, not a word that sits well with a culture obsessed with 'choice' and paltry notions of freedom.
+Martin
Argyll and The Isles
Matthew 23:33-39….
The genius of Judaism is that the simplicity of God is to be discovered in his intimacy with all creative and human activity. God therefore is the ultimate focus of every moment of our lives. When religious institutions and their leaders then behave otherwise, then there is a denial not only of God but what it is to be human and a significant as well as responsible part of creation. Political blueprints that, in effect, denied the underlying inspiration of God had corrupted Jerusalem theocratically inspired civic life. The prophets were (and are!) those who drew attention to that, sometimes in dramatic ways that lead to their rejection and in many cases 'liquidation' by the leaders of religious institutions. That disturbing process is as much if not a major cultural issue for us now.
Realise in your heart that I am the Source of Life in all you are and do.
This meditation is best practiced at the end of the day, but before you are too tired! Sit or kneel in silence and use the sentence to focus your mind into your heart. Then review each detail of your day. What were the priorities that governed your attitudes and your behaviour? Remember that you can write your thoughts or even symbolise them by drawing. Do not analyse, only observe. The meditation is not just about your shortcomings. You might consider how you can recall at various points during the day, God’s presence and his will for you and the context in which you are set. A simple form of prayer and reading in the morning, midday, evening and at night can help you maintain your spiritual compass-bearings. With some apprehension, I would add that for Christians this is an obligation, not a word that sits well with a culture obsessed with 'choice' and paltry notions of freedom.
+Martin
Argyll and The Isles
Labels: Obedience
posted by Martin at 8:57 am
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