The tale of isolation narrates a narrative of disconnection—separated from one another, from the divine, from the earth's ecosystem, and even from our true selves. Jesus, a disruptor of violence narratives, dispatched his followers not to escape into isolation, but to influence the world positively. Yet, acknowledging the need for solitude, Jesus sought quietude, revealing the story's legitimate response: the inner longing for contemplation. This universal need craves an inner sanctuary nurtured through contemplative practices, crafting a robust peace amidst life's chaos. Instead of retreat, we're beckoned to immerse ourselves fully, discerning light and shadow, contributing and seeking. Contemplation dismantles unproductive narratives, fostering Gelassenheit, the release of personal stories. In contemplation's quiet, we rediscover a "radical optimism," a pause to question and embrace profound love for self and others.
May we shun isolation's disconnection, embracing connection,
contemplation, and a "radical optimism" — finding solace
not in withdrawal but in vibrant immersion and discernment,
a benediction of profound love for ourselves and all beings.
