Seeds of Contemplation
Each moment of life holds the potential to transform us spiritually, planting seeds of divine vitality in our souls. As we journey through life, we are reminded that every moment and every event of every man’s life on earth plants something in his soul. This truth resonates with the wisdom found in Ecclesiastes: “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Spiritual growth is not confined to extraordinary experiences; rather, it emerges from the daily unfolding of our lives. When we attune our hearts to this reality, we cultivate a readiness to receive and nurture the seeds of transformation that God offers us each day.
However, these seeds of growth cannot take root in environments of rigidity or fear; they require freedom, spontaneity, and love to flourish. Christ Himself declares, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). The fullness of life that He offers is not a life of confinement but one of creative engagement with God’s Spirit. It is in this environment of love and openness that we find the conditions for divine truth to grow within us, leading to greater vitality and connection with the sacred.
Yet, many seeds fail to grow because we are not prepared to receive them. Jesus speaks of this in the parable of the sower: “Some seeds fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, it was scorched; and since it had no root, it withered away” (Mark 4:5-6). The readiness of our hearts—the soil of our souls—determines whether these seeds will bear fruit. Through mindfulness, humility, and a willingness to surrender to God’s will, we prepare ourselves to welcome these seeds and nurture them into spiritual growth.
The word of God, which is likened to these seeds, is not confined to formal preaching or religious rituals. It speaks through all of life, the voice that speaks in everything. As the psalmist proclaims, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). Recognizing God’s word in every aspect of existence invites us to attune our hearts and minds to the sacred in the ordinary, opening ourselves to the divine dialogue present in all things.
This dialogue with God is not a constant monologue of human desires or petitions but a deep communion of wills. As Thomas Merton reminds us, “Man’s life is not a constant monologue of talk and desires directed toward God: it is rather a dialogue between his own freedom and God’s will.” In Proverbs, we read, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established” (Proverbs 16:3). This scripture underscores the essence of our relationship with God—a partnership rooted in listening and responding to His love rather than merely expressing our own agendas.
“It is not a law imposed on us from outside ourselves but the invitation to our own freedom and to our own joy in the love of God.”
—Thomas Merton
Importantly, God’s will is not an external force that compels us against our desires but rather an invitation rooted in love. This echoes the teaching of Jesus: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29). Far from being burdensome, God’s will is an expression of divine love that guides us toward greater freedom and fulfillment.
“For if you see God as a cruel and arbitrary tyrant, you will never discover Him, but only despair and alienation.”
—Thomas Merton
When misunderstood, however, God’s will can be seen as harsh or arbitrary, leading to despair and alienation. This mirrors the warning in Isaiah: “Woe to those who quarrel with their Maker” (Isaiah 45:9). A distorted view of God’s will obscures His love and grace, whereas a true understanding reveals His kindness and compassion.
Our concept of God shapes our relationship with Him, yet no human idea can fully capture His reality. Thomas Merton reminds us that “no idea of Him, however pure and perfect, is adequate to His reality.” Paul’s words in Romans resonate here: “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable His ways!” (Romans 11:33). This humility invites us to approach God not as a concept to master but as a mystery to embrace.
“It is a loving call to perfect freedom and joy,
but it costs a great deal to answer it.”
—Thomas Merton
Embracing God’s will often requires letting go of attachments to the false self, a process that can be challenging. Jesus addresses this directly: “Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 10:39). Letting go of illusions and ego-driven desires paves the way for a deeper communion with God and greater joy in His love.
“The seed is the word of God, and this word comes to us in a form that makes demands on us.”
—Thomas Merton
To receive the seeds of truth, we must detach from familiar desires and habits. In Luke, Jesus says, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). This teaching challenges us to release the old and embrace the new, creating space for spiritual renewal.
“To receive the seeds of truth, we must leave ourselves behind and be ready to go out of ourselves toward God.” —Thomas Merton
Openness to the unknown and a willingness to step outside of ourselves are essential for growth. The call of Abraham exemplifies this: “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you” (Genesis 12:1). Spiritual growth often requires a leap of faith, trusting in God’s guidance even when the path is unclear.
Each moment of life holds its own particular grace, an opportunity for renewal and transformation. Paul’s encouragement to the Corinthians reminds us, “Now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). By remaining attentive to the present moment, we uncover the hidden blessings God offers us each day.
“There is no moment of our lives that does not have its own particular grace.”
—Thomas Merton
