Only, conduct yourselves in a way worthy of the gospel of Christ. — Philippians 1:27
In four different letters, Paul advises Christian followers on proper conduct. In Colossians 1 and Thessalonians 4, he names a list of ways the Christian should be, including “in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God” (Col. 1: 10) and “aspire to live a tranquil life” (1Thess.4: 11). This flies in the face of modern society that urges us on for more stuff, more extreme actions, more emphasis on the superficial, more, more, more… Are you caught up in this kind of world?
There is another way. It is called contemplative living, and anyone can choose to live this peaceful way, just as you choose to live in a frenetic way of more and more. We have a group called Just Pray-ers that uses Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton. Thomas Merton converted to Roman Catholicism while a student at Columbia University. He entered the Abbey of Gethsemani, a community of Trappist monks, and that led him to profound changes in his self-understanding. This ongoing conversion impelled him into the political arena and he became a strong supporter of the nonviolent civil rights movement of the 1950’s-1960’s, which he called “certainly the greatest example of Christian faith in action in the social history of the United States.”
The Bridges series leads participants on a journey toward spiritual transformation. Inspired by the monastic tradition, Bridges is specifically formatted for the lay person through prayers, readings and questions. Come away to a world God envisions. We have just started the series again, once a month on the third Wednesday, 7-8:30PM. You do not need to study ahead or even have the booklet. The tranquil life is possible amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. To join in these stand-alone sessions, contact: socialconcern@hnojnc.org.
To whet your appetite for a contemplative way, think about these words from Thomas Merton:
Either you look at the universe as a very poor creation out of which no one can make anything, or you look at your own life and your own part in the universe as infinitely rich, full of inexhaustible interest, opening out into the infinite further possibilities for study and contemplation and praise. Beyond all and in all is God. (July 17, 1956).
Barbara Molinari Quinby, MPS, Director
Office of Life, Dignity, and Justice Ministries
Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral Raleigh, NC