Here and Now
We cannot truly know God by merely thinking about God. We cannot know God only by thinking thoughts. Faith is more than intellectual agreement with beliefs; it requires opening ourselves to a deeper experience. Unfortunately, much of modern Christianity has reduced faith to agreeing with statements rather than practicing the concrete steps needed to encounter God directly. True faith isn’t about believing things are true; it’s about learning how to open our hearts, minds, and bodies to the presence of God. This is what contemplation offers.
Our heads and hearts must work together. Rational thinking is not the enemy of faith, but it must be balanced with the spiritual practice of experiencing God. What is our experience of our beliefs? Just as the early Christians were challenged by Paul to go beyond hearing the message and live their beliefs, we are called to move beyond simply listening and into the active experience of faith, hope, and love. This is where we find healing, connection, and meaning.
Jesus' teachings remind us that the reign of God is at hand, meaning the experience of divine presence is available to us here and now. This isn't about suspending natural laws but awakening to the possibilities of life with God—where we are healed, engaged, and made whole. Head and heart, rational and spiritual, need not stifle or silence one another.