We tend to place too much focus on specific spiritual practices, turning contemplation into a matter of performance and technique. This leads to self-analysis, where we ask if we are doing the practice correctly. But the revelation of God cannot be reduced to sitting on a cushion twice a day. Contemplation is meant to help us sustain the lessons of great love and great suffering. Until our faith moves to the elemental, cellular level, until we digest it like we do great love and great suffering, it will not change our minds or our actions. While practices have value, they must lead us to touch reality, not reinforce illusions. Our faith must move from the surface level to something that truly changes us. Contemplation helps us step back from ego, touch the deeper truth, and recognize that reality is always greater than we are.
May our faith reach the depths of our being,
transforming us as deeply as great love and great suffering,
so we may live in truth and act with grace.
(inspired by Parker J. Palmer, The Active Life; Richard Rohr, Iona Liturgy)