ALL WELCOME to Join Kathryn Pile Tuesdays 5pm
Dear Meditators 24/05/22
Sr Joan Chittister has recently been in our city…an outspoken advocate of justice, peace and equality, she has authored many books…we will dip into one of her latest, ‘Grace-filled Moments’ for this new series of meditations, today with reflections on ‘the absence of Divine Presence.’
The aim of our session today is to create a sacred space for God’s Presence…and to maintain our intention towards that Presence, through breath, image or word (if distracted), and ultimately through silence… experience a response from God’s Presence at an individual heart felt level. This is the heart of Centering Prayer.
Sr Joan begins by asking us to remember again, (as we knew at our very beginning) Who really brought us here and depends on us to go on leavening the world around us with Spirit.
Let’s begin… reflections on the absence of Divine Presence.’
- The terrible loneliness sets in when we have detached ourselves from the Divine Presence. This is exactly the time when I must consciously place myself in the arms of God, who brought me into life and now upholds me there.
- The miracle of the spiritual life lies in the discovery…that it has been there all the time…that God is palpable…she quotes [Edna St Vincent Millay]…”God, I can push the grass apart and lay my finger on Thy heart.” {The Talmud teaches] “Every blade of grass has its angel that bends over it and whispers, ‘grow, grow.’” As do we. Remember, that God wishes you ‘well and not woe’ and everything that happens to you in life will become another sliver of your union with God.
Relax now in body and mind, slow your breathing, and enter your meditation, centering your prayer, your will and intention on consciously placing yourself in the arms of God…allowing yourself to push the grass apart and lay your finger on God’s heart.
Love and every blessing, Kathryn
Grace-filled Moments with Sr Joan – 365 reflections on life, loss, healing and joy: Garratt Publishing, Vic, 2021.
.Remember to watch an introduction to Centering Prayer Meditation. You can see it here
Let me know how you are finding this time – If you have any suggestions or requests. I always like to hear from you. Kathryn