Welcome! Join Kathryn Pile 5pm for Meditation
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Dear Meditators 22/02/22
Today we start a new series of reflections from Philip Newell’s book, Listening for the Heartbeat of God – a Celtic Spirituality.
First a short introduction…at the time of the Synod of Whitby in 664, the most significant concept to emerge was the Celtic mission’s perception of John the beloved disciple who leaned against Jesus at the Last Supper, becoming an image of the practice of listening for the heartbeat of God. The other concept was the Roman mission’s position of Peter as the gatekeeper. This took precedence but the Celtic tradition did not die out. Philip Newell asks why each mission had come to have such distinct emphases…and what had in particular influenced and shaped the spirituality of the Celtic mission and its passion for finding God at the heart of all life?
Over the next few weeks we’ll reflect on some of these influences in the form of writings of various people, (from the 4th to the 20th century). Today the Celtic Christian Pelagius, who was Britain’s first prominent theologian, (c 360 – 418.)
The aim of our meditation as always is to create a sacred space for God’s Presence…and by maintaining our intention towards that Presence, through breath, image or word, and ultimately through silence…experience a response from God’s Presence at an individual heart felt level. This is the heart of Centering Prayer. (A more detailed introduction to the practice of Centering Prayer can be found on the link below).
Let’s begin… Pelagius on ‘Listening for the Goodness.’
- Look at the animals roaming the forest: God’s spirit dwells within them. Look at the birds flying across the sky: God’s spirit dwells within them…look at the tiny insects crawling in the grass…the fish in the river and the sea: God’s spirit dwells within them. There is no creature on earth in whom God is absent. When God pronounced that his creation was good, it was not only that his hand had fashioned every creature; it was that his breath had brought every creature to life.
- So too, the great trees…wild flowers…grass…even your crops. The presence of God’s spirit in all living things is what makes them beautiful; and if we look with God’s eyes, nothing on earth is ugly…so when our love is directed towards an animal or even a tree, we are participating in the fullness of God’s love.
Relax now in body and mind, slow your breathing, and enter your meditation, centering your prayer, your will and intention on God’s spirit dwelling within you… becoming aware that you are participating in the fullness of God’s love.
Love and every blessing,
Kathryn
Philip Newell, Listening for the Heartbeat of God: a Celtic Spirituality. Holy Trinity Church, London, 1997, p 1-15.
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