St. Arbucks Chapel – September 17, 2025

Today, I begin my class on Centering Prayer. Here is a sample of what we will be doing in the class. The in-person class is full, but you are welcome to sign up and join us remotely via Zoom. Please contact Neal Whitlow by emailing nwhitlow@chwichita.org if you are interested.

Moses prayed for the people …

… Then, Moses heard from God.
“Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived.
– Numbers 21:7b-9

Because [Jesus] understood the true nature of his humanity to be Love
he humbled himself
and did the most loving thing he could for those he loved,
he revealed Love and even died for love, on a cross.
Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place
– Philippians 2:7-11

God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Love.
– John 3:17

In the wilderness, Moses lifted a bronze serpent for the stricken Israelites to gaze upon and in that act, disbelief becomes faith; despair is met by a visible sign that heals. In our own deserts of doubt or fatigue, this story whispers that our humanity also craves something seen, something tangible, through which God’s healing love may enter our skepticism. Like Moses’ serpent lifted high, Jesus is lifted on the cross, an emblem of love made manifest. But his love does not end there. By rising again, Christ offers not merely a symbol, but a living pathway into divine life, a love that conquers even death.

Paul’s vision echoes this. In Jesus, God shows us how true power lies not in dominance, but in surrender for Love; how strength is found in vulnerability; and how resurrection love transforms every broken heart that hears, believes, and dares to Love ever more widely and deeply.

Thus these passages invite us finally to become people of Love, living it realistically, here and now. As contemplatives, we’re called into that deep inner stillness, where the invisible love of God is present, inviting us to be love – in form and being and actions. In yielding to this love, we awaken to the divine life poured out, renewing us and the world.

Meditations

“The love of God is what heals us. Nobody becomes a full human being without love. It brings to life people who are most damaged. … Divine love picks us up when we sincerely believe nobody else will. We then begin to experience freedom, peace, calm, equanimity, and liberation from [old patterns] and cravings … that cannot bring happiness.”
– Thomas Keating, Divine Therapy and Addiction: Centering Prayer and The Twelve Steps

“Would you like to know our Lord’s meaning in all this? Know it well: love was his meaning. Who revealed it to you? Love. What did he reveal to you? Love. Why did he reveal it to you? For love. Stay with this and you will know more of the same. You will never know anything but love, without end.”
– Mirabai Starr, Julian of Norwich: The Showings: A Contemporary Translation

To Practice

  • Breath and Body Prayer: Begin by sitting comfortably, letting your breath slow and deepen. On each inhalation, pray inwardly: God so loved the world… On each exhalation: … that I may live in love. After a few minutes, let your prayer move into gesture:
    – Bow your head, recalling Christ’s humility.
    – Open your hands, palms up, as though receiving love.
    – Lift your arms gently outward and upward, embodying resurrection life.
    Hold each posture for a moment, then return to stillness. Close with a simple prayer: Here I am, Lord, open to your love.
  • Love in Action: Take a few quiet breaths and rest in God’s presence. Then reflect or journal with these questions:
    – Where am I being called to lift up love today?
    – Who in my life could be touched by a gesture of kindness?
    – What small act might bring healing, peace, or encouragement?
    After reflection, choose one simple, concrete act of love you can carry into your day. This could be a phone call, a note of gratitude, a listening ear, or a prayer spoken for someone’s well-being. As you move into action, remember Julian’s words: “Love was his meaning … you will never know anything but love, without end.”