For a long time I avoided self-reflective forms of prayer.  I told myself it was because I thought that these forms were narcissistic.  Why spend time concentrating on the self, when we can concentrate on God?  I looked for God outside of myself, in the beauty of nature, in the depth of thought, in the … Continue reading Examination of Consciousness

The Song of Songs is about longing and passion, and rarely about consummation.  It’s about being fully present to the beloved, and if it’s carnal, it’s a carnality that includes all of the senses.  The lovers’ kisses are better than wine, more intoxicating, because they don’t deaden the senses, but bring them to life.  Often, … Continue reading Your Love is Better than Wine

Spiritual Direction is a way of offering companionship to people who are seeking God and a greater sense of themselves.  It is non-judgmental and generous, and always trusts that the seeker knows more about their own life, thoughts, and longings than the director does.  The director's role is to listen carefully, invite the presence of … Continue reading What is Spiritual Direction?

Meditations upon the cross were an integral part of Medieval prayer books.  But what does the cross mean for us now?  If I practice a this-worldly spirituality, then the idea of the cross as a gateway to a far away heaven won’t be tremendously helpful to me.  I can say that the cross saved me … Continue reading Jesus is Condemned to Death

It’s a primal question – “who will I love, and how will I love that person well?” The way we answer this question will affect not only our earthly relationships, but our relationship with God. This is what the early and medieval commentators on the Song understood so well.