Desert Journey – Day 17
“Be still and know that I am God.” Such a simple verse and yet so challenging. “Still” is hard. Silence I can do, but stillness is another thing. In the desert it’s easier to be still. That’s the point, less distractions, more stillness. The quiet helps.
Holiness, radiance and glory fill my thoughts as I sit at the well. Words I want to internalize and absorb. Another familiar verse comes to mind. “Be holy for I am holy.” Again, I am invited to ‘be’ and not ‘do’. Perhaps, doing is easier to measure and more obvious to see, making it more attractive. Performance and pride come to mind.
Jesus reminds me of the Transfiguration. “His face shone like a light…a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’” Holiness radiates God’s glory. Through the stillness the Father’s voice is heard. Through the stillness his love is felt.
I am fighting the urge to ‘do’ something. Jesus wants stillness this morning. We sit quietly at the well. Take this quiet and stillness with you today, he says. A challenge fo sure.
A very big challenge!
So true. Recent experience. I just went to a four day retreat… so much down time each day after lectures and prayer…on the 3rd day I got in my car and flew home! Next time 2 day retreat! Bringing my daughter in law. Non catholic. She asked me if we can do a retreat together. Feel so blessed and honored to have this special woman in our family.