Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Dearest God,

If it is true "home is where the heart is" then what causes the heart to feel so at home? Why and how do some places on earth give the feeling of home and others do not?

I can be so distracted by many things but the moment the wheels of my car touch the pavement of a monastic community, I feel peace wash over me. My inner being breathes a quiet sense of relief. All goes still inside me. Love invites me in. Everything else becomes secondary as my spirit unites with yours in a most holy and wonderful way. As a result my whole self feels at home.

Although the church, even the faciliity, at times can produce a spiritual euphoria in me, monastic communities are like nothing else. It is almost as if the very air is uniquely altered allowing the human spirit to delve deeply into life's greatest mysteries. It is beautifully invitational where your spirit moves without hindrance or resistance. It blows where it will, resting upon those who are drawn by it.

Today as I sang the psalms with the sisters of St. Benedict during liturgy and read responsively the words of Isaiah, I was truly at home, knowing home is always with you.

Blessed God,
Giver of Good Gifts,
Lover of All,
give me
a new language
with which
to praise you.
Let my
whole being
burst forth
in joy
bringing glory
to your name.
You alone
are worthy
of earthly
and celestial praise.
My heart
is full
of love
for you.

Forever yours, Andrea