“We are exactly what He wants us to be”
(Note: In the headline I’ve written for this reflection, replace “I am” with your name)
We are into Week 8 of our Sabbatical program at Mercy Center in Colorado Springs and our presenter requested that we reflect on the four ways of contemplative prayer, as St Teresa of Avila narrated in her book, The Interior Castle.
Two days ago, on the morning of 26 October, we were asked to concentrate on the
Prayer of Focus that normally will take place during the fourth dwelling place, or the fourth mansion, according to St. Teresa.
The extract from our class notes reads: The fourth dwelling place begins a moment of natural rhythm and a deepening relationship in partnership with God. This deeper level of friendship has become more intense and leads us to a profound sense of otherness. The fourth dwelling place becomes a sanctuary for silence, solitude and contemplation. This comes from “In His Image: A Journey with St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila” which was given to us.
Please allow me to extract a paragraph from our class notes that talks about the Prayer of Focus.
Within this stage, a person can discipline the senses and faculties. The person is able to create empty space within their thoughts and feelings and welcome God’s personal visits. Here a person focuses on the object of prayer. By focusing on something particular, e.g., a candle, a crucifix, or the Blessed Sacrament, a person is able to achieve great peace and stillness and welcome inspiration and enlightenment. Prayer of Focus includes: Here and now – keep eyes open “Let all creatures speak of their Maker” and how does this focus speak of its Maker (God)?
As a result, I was asked to focus on an object, such as an icon, a religious painting, a statue of our Lady or Jesus, or even a sculpture. So, I went into our living room where a lot of these items are beautifully displayed. I looked around in search of the object I wanted to focus on for my prayer time. I finally decided on a sculpture that has an image of a father who allows his child to lay on his bosom and the child sleeps in peace without any fear or anxiety.
I would like to invite you to have a look at the photo that I took from the living room, before sharing with you my reflection as it occurred to me.
I took time to look at the object and I was focusing all my attention on the image, after a while, the sculpture began to speak to me and revealed its meaning as I could understand. It seemed that God was speaking to me and helping me understand the significant meanings of this sculpture. So here was what I received:
- The child was the focus of this sculpture. He was sleeping peacefully, and it seemed that he/she has no fear or anxiety
- At a closer look, the child is like a baby lying in the womb before it is born. This suggests that God is not only a father figure, but he is also a mother, who is able to carry each one of us in God’s womb
- The father gazes lovingly at the child which has his utmost attention and concern. Perhaps his whole focus is on the child as he looks at him. It seems to me that the father’s only concerns are about the child and nothing else
- His two hands are supporting him and the child. He does not hold the child but let him to be free, that could mean God wants him to be himself. As I was gazing on this sculpture, I felt that God has been my refuge and my shield. He will protect me, since I am his child, and will care for me. God’s only concerns are about my well-being and safety. I also believe this applies to all of us.
I was extremely happy and felt deeply grateful to God who has revealed this amazing insight to me, so I can be closer to Him, who is my Creator and loves me unconditionally as his loving child.
I find it difficult to put into words what I experienced this morning as I was gazing on the beautiful sculpture. I just wanted to treasure it in my heart and will continue to reflect and meditate on it.
Written at Mercy Center, Colorado Springs
