The Paradox of Contemplation

Contemplation is more a matter of our listening than of our speaking. It is a slowing of soul to the conversation initiated by God. As we listen we are broken open to ourselves because we are open to God. Or to put it another way, the nearer we draw to God as God (rather than as we want God to be) the clearer we see ourselves as we are (rather than as we want ourselves to be). The process is both comforting and confronting. We see ourselves as beloved sinners. We live far short of the 'glory' intended for us yet we are loved by the Father as much as He loves His Son.Both realities are difficult to embrace. This kind of love is uncontrollable. This kind of failure feels unconsolable (see Isaiah 6). But if we will slow our souls to see and listen to God, the paradox of contemplation will yield its good fruit. We are slowly changed at the core of our being. This is what we most desperately need though our 'false self' fears it. Somehow it knows its influence on our soul is being diminished through its slow death. And slow deaths are never easy.But if we stay with the process our way of perceiving, processing, and 'presenting' ourselves to others changes. Usually it means a 'gentling' within our relationships (the fruit of the Spirit that is called kindness). And a greater faith in the daily presence of God in our lives. Always it is a life lived more from one's 'true self' (which is the life of Christ lived uniquely in and through us).