Finding God in print should prove to be a reward. What we read in sacred scriptures is God speaking to the reader through the recollections and reflections of authors we believe were inspired by God to write what he wanted. Reading and rereading a text three or four times can be likened to the turning the dail on a safe to open the door to what is valuable. If you were to walk into a vault that houses great treasures, most likely you would stand in awe, looking at what moves the mind and heart.
Reading and meditating on a scene or even a phrase of scripture or a spiritual writer's words is to allow one's mind to be open to the richness of the texts that will reveal themselves to us only with our patience and willingness to replay the words several times. The purpose of rereading is to unlock your own mind and heart. Several reads of the same text is a way of showing respect to the Holy Spirit --- allowing time for God's movement within our hearts. This is the process of meditation that brings God's Word into your life.
Meditation is a discipline of the heart that uses writings from the Book, the Bible. And no one will say that mediation is easy. Some people, trying to pray, will say "meditation is not for me." And the truth is this: meditation will not be a success in your life if you do not take the time to "break open" what is the potential inspiration in the text.
You know that the conception of Jesus into our world is referred to as the Incarnation of Jesus. How often that event is looked at as a once in a lifetime event. Yet through "Lectio Divina" --the reading and rereading of sacred scripture in particular, you can experience again and again the rebirth of Jesus in your heart, the very core of your being.
It is the daily incarnation of Jesus into your life that will lead you to know "true inner obedience." Let the Word of God come alive in your heart. Here you come to know that God wants for you and from you. Through meditation you can be formed into the great gift God wants you to be. You will experience a true transformation.
As Fr. Nouwen writes: The question is not 'How am I to love God?' but 'How am I to let myself be loved by God. It is in meditation, reflecting on sacred scripture, that we welcome God into our hearts.
Let up pray: "God our service brings u back to y ou ife we have lost our way on our lifetime spiritual journey and fill our minds with wisdom. May our Lenten journey enrich our minds and hearts. Amen."
