While on vacation, my friend
Karalee introduced me to a delightful place of respite. While I think I’ve
always appreciated places of retreat and spiritual renewal, on this journey
into a contemplative spirituality I have found that these places resonate much
more deeply with me than they have previously. Living a life which draws
attention to injustice, and lives in the mess of the world most of the time, I
have come to appreciate – no, require – places of peace, quiet and tranquility
in the midst of the brokenness in which I spend most of my time swimming.
Canaan in the Desert, the dwelling place of the order of the Evangelical
Sisterhood of Mary (who knew??), was one of those places.
In this strangely beautiful
place, you can walk the journey of Jesus’ passion. There are also various
spaces throughout the garden to sit and contemplate, using the art that is
provided, or the unique desert garden around you, or the plaques with
Scriptures and sayings from Mother Basilea (the founder of the order), or the many
scattered boxes with contemplations, words, and pamphlets of meditations to
commune with and listen to Jesus. What a gem in the midst of what could be a
harsh landscape, transforming it into a thing of beauty and peace!
Weeping may last all night, but joy comes in the morning. (Ps. 30:5)
Drink deeply of all that the Father is. The Fountain of the Father’s Goodness (it wasn’t on when I was there) has attributes of the Father inscribed around a beautiful fountain. Tiny taps along each of 7 sides invite you to take a drink of whatever you need from the Father. Comfort? Mercy? Patience? Drink deeply. He is enough.
The plaque on the left in the Resurrection station offers the ever-timely reminder that “With God, suffering is never the final outcome.”
Isn’t this a good prayer to pray – a lot of the time??
A prayer kneeler in a place
of quiet shade. “I will bless the Lord at all times.”
“God’s will is goodness and
loving-kindness, and good are the paths He leads us on.”
Worth contemplating…
If you haven’t ever prayed using prayer beads,
stay tuned. A future Contemplative Activist issue will invite you to the
practice.
This station is called
“The Crown of Thorns.” But the relief depiction of Jesus drew me in.
What do you suppose Jesus is thinking about? Praying about? Remembering? Crying
about?
You, maybe?
Oh grave, where is your
victory? Oh death, where is your sting?
Is it possible to ponder enough all that this
image embodies for the believer?