Deeper to Reach the Destination

A media post was on target Palm Sunday. “Some Christians…are leaning deeper into their faith, using contemplative prayers to stay centered throughout difficult and death-filled days.” Contemplative evokes different connotations. In Christian spirituality it connotes a focused relationship with God.

Deepening relationship with God is the common denominator in invitations from Pope Francis, Patriarch Bartholomew I (“may the blessing of the Lord…accompany us in our journey, transform our voluntary isolation into genuine communion, and become our prayer and destination to appreciate the meaning of this”), local leaders, media of different kinds.

“Leaning deeper” is not for a select few. The import of this afternoon’s post on confronting a sacramental challenge equals leaning deeper. Noticing what we have overlooked until the pandemic arrived; noticing things differently because of the pandemic; noticing in new ways and stretching to notice: they are a few examples of “leaning deeper.” Perhaps noticing voices in Palm Sunday’s passion reading can add depth to the leaning.

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Wiki-image Feuille de palmier by “Eric Freyssinge| CC BY-SA 4.0"