Compassion, Love, Mercy and Kindness

Again, from Monk in the World...
This is where I am feeling my biggest challenge. I want to be like this but I have this deep realization that I can't. Ok, I can, but how?
"One simple but effective way to develop compassion is to intend it each day - to think of it and reflect on its nature as part of you, part of all of us. Our compassion is a fruit of our spiritual lives; it actually arises spontaneously when formed by intention in our spiritual practice. Love and compassion are always the goods of the spiritual journey, and they are guided by divine wisdom, which then shapes compassion in the concrete situations of our existence. Compassion, love, mercy, and kindness are the attributes of our true and common nature when we become freed from social conditioning and the indifference that often accompanies ignorance. The mystical life awakens knowledge of our genunine nature; it is a path to who we really are." (this last line is what frightens me...what is my genunine nature?)

A Monk in the World

Wayne Teasdale has written a book, A Monk in the World. Many of us can understand when he writes: "What has nourished my mystical life are numerous and intense unitive experiences at the Divine's initiative. In these encounters, mysteriously offered to me unexpected and undeserved, the Divine Lover has invaded me, completely affecting every aspect of my being - my mind, will, memory, imagination, unconscious, body, sexuality, and emotions. Overwhelmed by God's invading Presence, I am saturated by the Divine's energies, its subtle actions within me, its intense but measured power. When immersed in union with God, ravished by the Divine's self-giving Presence, overcome in its inpouring love, and elevated into its vast mystery, I am unable to analyze, imagine, remember, or visualize. I can only be receptive, saying yes to God's extraordinary gift. Becoming more actively present to God, I can offer myself in the communion of love to this mysterious God, who remains always the Deus absonditus, the hidden God." pg 39

Oblate Progress

I wasn't sure how pursuing oblation would effect my life. I entered into this sort of blindly. I had certain desires one of which was a consistent progress for transformation.

Along with reading the Breviary each day, my daily reading includes Joan Chittister's commentary on the Rule of Benedict. This book has been the key for me. As she makes modern application to the Rule I find a tool to challenge and encourage my daily life.

One rule in particular has impacted me. It is from Chapter 66 of the rule: The Porter of the Monastery.

"(the porter is to be) prompt in responding to people with the warmth of love; and actually grateful for the presence of guests. When the person knocks - whenever the person knocks - the porter is to say, 'Thanks be to God' or 'Your blessing, please' to indicate and welcome at all times, not just when it feels convenient. In the Rule of Benedict, there is no such thing as coming out of time to the monastery. Come in the middle of lunch; come in the middle of prayer; come and bother us with your blessings at any time. There is always someone waiting for you."

In my desire to open a retreat center this is how I want my heart to be. And, not only regarding a retreat setting, but in my daily life. I want to look at each person I encounter as a blessing; a blessing and a gift of the moment. This may sound simple and expected but I know I have had times of not doing it well. Here is one. A few weeks before Christmas a man came to our door wanting to give us an estimate for new windows. I told him no, we were not interested. He continued to try to sell me. I finally closed the door as he continue on. Later in the evening I realized how unwelcoming I had been. The guy was just trying to make a living. Who knows what his living situation may have been. What if I had actually invited him in and offered him something warm to drink and asked him how he was. Impractical? Maybe. But I want to be that kind of person. Father, be gracious to me a sinner.