Dear Ones,
How can we live in a world marked by noise, competition, restlessness, fear, hatred, and violence and not be destroyed by it?
To live in the world without belonging to the world summarizes the essence of the spiritual life. A deeply centered spiritual life keeps us aware that our true dwelling place is not in this world, but in our sacred center, that place of splendor, the house of love where God resides. It is the indwelling Spirit of the crucified and risen Christ who makes it possible for us to live in the world as He did without belonging to it.
Living this spiritual life requires that we deliberately move in the direction of silence, solitude and prayer. It is only in the deep quiet that we can begin to hear God’s voice reminding us that in Him there is nothing but love and that we are created out of His First Love for us.
Once we reclaim this First Love, we can begin dealing freely and peacefully with the many stressful issues that fill our lives. We must return again and again to that personal, loving relationship with the God Who loved us first and let the concerns for our families, our communities and the world come from that Love. This returning is difficult. It is a great struggle. But if we are faithful, we will taste peace somewhere deeply hidden within our hearts, far beyond feelings and emotions. It is the peace that passes understanding. It is God-within.
The Spirit within sends us His divine breath, embraces us with His love, and calls us to stand at the fearful edge, under the cross, in the cross, with the world and become His messengers of love, hope and encouragement.
I pray always that these words may awaken in you more of His Spirit and help you unravel more of His secrets. ~Betty