This is Part III of Supplies on the Journey. Openness, Courage, Faith, Hope, and Trust have been covered in my previous blogs.
Attentiveness– In our spiritual journey, it is important that we sharpen our attentiveness to the events and circumstances in our daily life. This disposition prepares us to listen to the various ways God is present to us, speaking to us and working in our day to day lives.
Reflectiveness goes hand in hand with attentiveness. In our reflection we may discover how the gracious God has blessed us. We may also realize we have stubbed our foot, had doubts, or prejudged someone, and therefore in need of an attitude and action adjustment.
Wakefulness. Attentiveness requires being awake and alert. St. Theresa of Avila says, “The present moment is pregnant with the presence of God.” Are we mindful of the present moment? Do we savor the moment? At the end of the play Our Town by Thorton Wilder, Emily, who is deceased, relives an ordinary day in her life. She is astonished at what she sees, “Oh Earth, you are too wonderful for anyone to realize.” Being spiritually awake summons us to be attentive to our daily experiences and then to have a reflective stance concerning our experiences.
Fr. Anthony de Mello, S.J. states, “Most people, even though they do not know it, are asleep. They’re born asleep, they live asleep, they breed children in their sleep, and they die in their sleep without ever waking up. They never understand the beauty and loveliness we call human existence” (Libquotes.com). Are you asleep? Am I asleep?
In the Transfiguration story, the author of the Gospel of Luke recounts, “But since they [the disciples] had stayed awake, they saw His glory” (Luke 9:28-32). When we remain awake, we can be awestruck just as the disciples. Being awake can result in the dispositions of wonder and awe.
What are wonder and awe? Stay tuned. My next blog will be on Wonder and Awe.
Ponderings:
* Take time to pay attention to one aspect of the richness and variety of life today and talk to God about your reflection on this experience. It could be as simple as looking at a sunset or sunrise or eating and savoring your favorite dessert.
* In what area of my life, do I need to be attentive? What am I going to do about it?
By Sister Marie Leonard, OSB