Here, in the latest installment of his series on prayer, Father Jim Martin describes the power of praying with and in nature.
Fr. Jim Martin's Prayer Vlog
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16 years 5 months ago
You need a TV show Jim. Really. When are you going to get a talent agent and go for it?? Wonderful as always.
16 years 5 months ago
Contrary to what many readers initially believe about the mystic's feelings for the world, relationships, and human love, the true mystic is enthralled by the diversity and beauty, the unfailing harmony and interconnectedness of the entire creation. All this is the work of Wisdom ("the Word") by whom they were created. Everyone and every living thing are clothed with the image of Wisdom as we see in the "The Spiritual Canticle"* poem where the lovesick bride questions the created world: "O woods and thickets, planted by the hand of the Beloved! O green meadow, coated, bright with flowers, tell me, has he passed you?" * Creatures then respond: "Pouring out a thousand graces, he passed these groves in haste; And having looked at them, with his image alone, clothed them in beauty" * The commentary explains: "Only the hand of God, her Beloved, was able to create this diversity and grandeur...This reflection on creatures, this observing that they are things made by the very hand of God, her Beloved, strongly awakens the soul to love [God]. * ~ Sr. Constance FitzGerald, OCD, "Carmel and Contemplation - Transformation in Wisdom" * "The Spiritual Canticle" by St. John of the Cross
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