A
journey of contemplation is an experiment with oneself. A good motive for such
a contemplation is that “I am not yet born.” In an experiment we use lenses and
mirrors, acids and alkalies to identify specific qualities of an object. Finding
our nature too we have such mirrors, lenses etc. For St. Catherine of Sienna,
it is in the love of God that the real reflection of our image can be seen, a
vision of our true beauty and ugliness. This sight burdens us neither with
pride nor with shame, but fills us with gratitude and consolation. The core of
our self also has to go through suffering and pain, rejection and death in a
contemplative and graced manner. We finally measure and analyse only one thing:
how much have we become Christ, how far more do we have to be transformed into
the image of Christ, which are those areas in us that are not yet allowed the
touch of Christ?
A Christic
way of life is to live with the vision and attitudes of Christ. However we
raise the name of God in praise, or cast out all demons, may not assure this. When
we experience that the voice of God enlightens the inner depths of our self, and when it takes a living form, we are awakened at least to a faded vision of the
possibility of Christ in us. This voice is deeper and life-giving than the idolized
forms of words and quotes. This gentle voice of God begins to flow from the
inner depths of human hearts, and then, we know that Christ has been born in us
in an embryonic form. The Word became flesh, and the word has also given us power
to become Christ (the anointed of God).
What
is the sign of the presence of Christ in us? It is the meekness and humility. The fruit of
receiving Christ in the goodness of our heart – peace. All the boundaries we
make for ourselves ultimately begin to make us feel insecure. Those who have experienced
peace can open themselves beyond boundaries. That peace is the strength that
can face challenges, insults and hatred, and welcome those who may harm, with an
open and pierced heart.
How many
strands, interwoven with one another, have made us what we are! We are a fabric
of interwoven relationships, genetically, socially, and historically. Every thread
that contributed to our making had to become a channel of grace. The improper interventions
of us who are ourselves wounded and imperfect, have broken this fabric of life
and grace. We who are to grow to the form of Christ remain lifeless, because
our roots are blocked from the streams of grace. It becomes impossible to live
a life in the fullness of grace. We are unable to do even the good that we want
to do, because somewhere our doors have been closed against grace to do it. It is
necessary to open them. Since such roots have been cut off, we have the lack of
life, many levels we have frigidity, and many strengths have decayed.
The states
in us that are in need of grace, or that are devoid of grace could be understood
as the outer man. On the other hand, the Christ-possibility that we can
become, moulded in/by grace is to be understood as the inner or the spiritual man. As
much as one, who gradually grows into the form of Christ, opens oneself for the
work of the Holy Spirit, the states of lifelessness – the outer man – will slowly
decay, and become a new creation. Even a child who is born bears this infirmity and bruises.
When
the Christ formed in every one of us, and in every bit of creation, is revealed
to everyone and everything, we will realize the chain of grace and the
beautiful harmony in Christ.
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