ALL WELCOME to Join Kathryn Pile Tuesdays 5pm
Dear Meditators 08/03/22
This week we continue our series of reflections from Philip Newell’s book, Listening for the Heartbeat of God – a Celtic Spirituality.
Philip Newell asks why…and what had in particular influenced and shaped the spirituality of the Celtic mission and its passion for finding God at the heart of all life?
Over these last few weeks we have reflected on some of these influences in the form of writings of various people, the Celtic Christian Pelagius, from the 4th century, St Patrick from the 5th century and this week, Eriugena from the 9th century – perhaps the greatest teacher the Celtic branch of the church produced; an influencer for the work of subsequent centuries.
The aim of our meditation as always is to create a sacred space for God’s Presence…and by maintaining our intention towards that Presence, through breath, image or word, and ultimately through silence…experience a response from God’s Presence at an individual heart felt level. This is the heart of Centering Prayer. (A more detailed introduction to the practice of Centering Prayer can be found on the link below).
Let’s begin… reflections on the theme of ‘Listening within Creation.’
- Eriugena’s thoughts and homilies were shaped on the mysticism of St John…that God is in all things, the essence of life…so essentially good is creation…that goodness is not an attribute of being, rather being is an attribute of goodness…goodness gives rise to life. Despite darkness within…deeper still is the goodness of God…darkness has not overcome it.
- Grace co-operates with nature, restoring it or releasing its essential goodness. Grace is given to heal our inner sight to open our eyes again to the goodness that is deep within us, for God is within us.
Relax now in body and mind, slow your breathing, and enter your meditation, centering your prayer, your will and intention on the goodness that gives rise to life… becoming aware of the goodness deep within us…God within us.
Love and every blessing, Kathryn
Philip Newell, Listening for the Heartbeat of God: a Celtic Spirituality. Holy Trinity Church, London, 1997, p 34-37.
Remember to watch an introduction to Centering Prayer Meditation. You can see it here
Let me know how you are finding this time – If you have any suggestions or requests. I always like to hear from you.
Kathryn