September 29, 2007

Letters to a Friend - #4

You must avoid any kind of “spirituality” that is “life denying” and does not appreciate some of the natural beauties in life such as a sunrise, the stars, family, children, art, music, etc. Some people would claim that these things are “silly” and view them as being “soft” or “sentimental” and as things which cannot reveal to us the presence of God.

As long as we are human, God will continue to reach out to our humanity and touch us. More often than not, He reveals Himself in the very ordinary occurrences of daily life rather than through esoteric “mystical” experiences. A few questions remain for us: Are we paying attention to our life and seeking to live it in a way that seeks God and His kingdom before anything else? Or are we deliberately set on accomplishing our own will and our own satisfaction? Have we closed ourselves off completely to God’s existence? Are we willing to follow God’s ways and His commandments?

The world contains proofs everywhere of God’s love. Each day they fall right in front of us. Instead of bending down to look at them more closely, we often just walk right over them without noticing because we have “more important” things to do and “places to go.” Oftentimes the disposition of our hearts is not ready or “able” to receive God because it is often scattered and seeking other things for its fulfillment.

Pray that your eyes and your heart will be open so that you will be able to see God’s presence in the midst of your ordinary human life. As Saint Paul writes, “in him we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28) Once you realize this, everything will begin to sing to you of God’s love and mercy.

Br. Jeremiah Myriam Shryock, CFR

St. Leopold Friary, Yonkers, NY

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