We GET to go through it. The obstacles are doorways.
First, we avoid silence because we are addicted to noise and rush, addicted to our self-importance, our genius ideas, powerful emotions, and valiant actions. Then we abandon silence because we are horrified by what we discover is really going on inside of ourselves. The only way forward is to have compassion for ourselves in the midst of our struggle. Father Martin Laird explains that, "The thoughts and feelings, which were previously the most distracting obstacles to inner peace, are now seen to be vehicles to it."
As the children's book reads, "We can't go over it! We can't go under it! Oh no! We've got to go through it! In fact, we get to go through it. There is no other way but to go through our obstacles into the still presence of God
This third installment of our journey through A Sunlit Absence by Fr Marin Laird continues in chapter one. Chapter one is a summary of Laird's previous book, Entering the Silent Land. The intention here is to offer a substantial definition of contemplation as well as offering some practical descriptions of how contemplation is practiced. Bless you for continuing on this journey. May you be blessed even in the midst of this covid pandemic. Subscribe to this podcast to stay updated when new episodes, classes, and retreats are made available www.invitationpodcast.org/subscribe
Watch a video invitation to this new series