Sunday April 16: Christ: Everywhere You Look

To Practice: You are invited to click HERE and view a one-minute video reflection containing some words by Ram Dass called ‘Everywhere You Look’. As the clip loops, and you look and listen, notice what stirs within you.

You may wish to re-read the full email reflection here: https://mailchi.mp/coutreach/word-of-the-week-april16

Touch. Thomas was invited to touch, to feel, to believe. The pandemic introduced a heightened fear of touch. In our churches the handshake of peace became a wave – from a distance and masked. The Eucharist was preceded by hand sanitizer, making the Body of Christ have an antiseptic aura. Jesus was anything but antiseptic. He touched everyone, ate at table with those whose hands were unclean, reminding  us that touch can be inclusive and healing. Have you touched someone today?  Have I?

Thank you for your reflection Susan, it got me thinking.   “Have you touched someone today? Have I?”

I pondered on my situation – I live alone & have a chronic condition which often limits my ability to go out, & when I do it’s not often in a situation for physical touch so those become extra special.  My pondering reminded me that I/we can touch others with our heartfelt smile, a sincere word, a kind gesture, by donating to causes if & when we can.   Prayer, and of course “tucking someone into our hearts” in CP, as Mary Mrozowski said.

The daily practice of Centering Prayer gradually widens our heart’s perspective

This is what stuck in my mind yesterday from our prayer gathering. Centering prayer and welcoming prayer relaxes my poor mind.  The landscape of my experience recedes into the distance. in my mind’s eye, there I am standing with my God viewing the vast landscape of my life. The words come: “I thank you that I am fearfully, wonderful made. “.

I could chide myself for the extent of time spent on taking care of myself in this way. unexpectedly, the more I am gentle and forgiving of myself, the more that translates into: ”ah, this clerk is human too. she is courageous in showing up for her life.” “That person over there…I have resented her. Her bravado…what is underneath it? she is spirit in a human body, too. She needs reassurance too.”

So much insight. so much grace.

Sunday April 16: Christ: Everywhere You Look
Daniel O’Leary’s image of child hugged tightly by her mother is one I have taken with me in my prayer times this week. When restless, i picture my face against God’s chest, my eyes closed, breathing deeply. I find myself quieting, calming. Powerful image. <3 linda

[Adeline Behm]

Two things are coming into focus: 1) Everywhere you look. You see what you are looking for.  This just happens spopntaneously for me. Right now I don’t have words to expand on this. But I do know that when my time is over here on this earth this is tied into why I was created; have I fulfilled my mandate/how. 2) The image this week speaks into this: hands that touch the lives of others and are in turn touched. Hands that hold the wounds of others and in turn been touched. For both the word “seared” comes alive. Wounds that are touched and leave an indelible mark on the one holds the wound of the wounded.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 11 months ago by Adeline Behm.

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