I just returned from a short two-day retreat led by Paul Coutinho, an internationally recognized Ignatian scholar, author and speaker who brings an Eastern influence to Western Christian spirituality. Suffice it to say I took enough notes that I have plenty of “Today’s Words” already lined up for next week or so. Thanks to Paul Coutinho and the Bridges Foundation for putting on the retreat at the beautiful and historic St. Joseph Sisters of Carondelet Motherhouse in South St. Louis.
Today’s Word: Commingle
The ultimate goal of prayer, according to Ignatius, is to “commingle with the divine.” What a beautiful way to think about prayer. Prayer is not, with this understanding, about talking to God or praising God or even placing ourselves in the presence of God. It is about being so intertwined with God that you can’t tell us apart, so to speak. This commingling is love, and this love is a mutual exchange between the lover (God) and the beloved (that’s us!) In this exchange we empty ourselves to make room for God, and then God fills us back up with his presence.
Our commingling with God, Coutinho explained, is like looking at the rays of the sun and the sun itself. There is no way to tell the difference because it is all one. In this sense we echo St. Paul’s words to the Galatians: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20) The challenge for us, of course, is whether we are willing to leave ourselves open to such an exchange.
Ask yourself in silence: Am I willing to give up all I hold dear in order to make room for God? Can I pray, “Take, Lord, receive, all I have and possess?”
Just reading this has filled me with peace, Steve. Such reassurance! Our very “being – presence” is prayer it seems, as the Holy Spirit permeates our bodies, minds and spirits. (your photo such a perfectly beautiful analogy!) But it is in my awareness of His presence in all things, that keeps me centered. At the same time, this really makes me think . . . am I trying too hard to pray sometimes?. Certainly for me, not all circumstances illicit the same form of prayer from me. Oh how you are giving me much to think about! Love this series! Thank you! Kathleen
Thanks, Kathleen. God in all things, indeed! That should be our constant prayer…
What a wonderful series you are giving us! I love having so much “good stuff” on which to reflect. I am filled with awe as I think about commingling with the divine.
Judy
Thanks, Judy, for giving more “stuff” back to all of us.