Paul’s farewell discourse. (See today’s first reading.) He is going to Jerusalem. Remember Jesus’ journey. But this is not merely an outward journey: it is symbolic of an inner journey. The most difficult journey is an interior one. Paul …. discerns God’s will. Though people tell him not to go, he knows God’s inspiration.
Prayer, reflection, contemplation => the most important aspects of our religious life. Work and activities should not stifle our contemplative spirit. (Active contemplation.)
Contemplation = long, loving, lingering look at something. To see God in everything, in everyone. It is allowing the God in me to meet the God in the world. Allowing the divine to meet the divine the world. It is surrender. Not an action. It is a passion.
Prayer or contemplation is surrendering; not about saying or doing something. It is tuning into God’s presence, His active presence. It is allowing oneself to be moved by the Spirit.
As we prepare for the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost, let us allow God to work in us powerfully.
