Garden of Eden

“I consider that the spiritual life is the life of man’s real self, the life of that interior self whose flame is so often allowed to be smothered under the ashes of anxiety and futile concern. The life of the spirit, by integrating us in the real order established by God, puts us in the fullest possible contact with reality-not as we imagine it, but as it really is. It does so by putting us in contact with our own real selves and placing them in the presence of God.” - Thomas Merton

It strikes me in the above quote from Thomas Merton, in that it is in seeking unity with God by way of contemplative practices and ways of life which are ordered in and around the spiritual life, one actually can experience life itself; as it is meant to be. All too often we are caught up in the structures and norms of society and the culture which we have created; not in tune with the life which was created for us. We hurry, we worry, we are in constant motion; motion without meaning. A life centered in Christ, is one centered on prayer, allowing for us to participate in a natural rhythm of life, thus creating space to participate in a sacramental way of life. No more, no less.

We might reflect on our lives, individually, as well as parishes and the broader Church community; seeking the natural rhythms of life which were ordered for us, not by us, and restored in Christ. Looking inward, contemplating with our mind falling into our heart, may allow us to experience the presence of Christ. St. Augustine put forth - “You will not change me into you, but you will be changed into me.” At the very center of our soul the essence of Spirit dwells in us; resting in God - in the Garden of Eden.