Treasure in our fields

‘There is treasure in our fields…’
(‘Lyrics’,  by Catherine O’Connell)

Sometimes we wander far in a search for something that is under our noses all the time.  In the quest for meditation many have gone east, often to Buddhist centres.  Yet here at home both our Celtic and Christian spiritualities are rich in contemplation.  Indeed we are all called to contemplative prayer; and the attraction becomes clear as soon as we begin, however haltingly, to practice it.

We are fortunate to have local guides in Ireland at present who have taken up the Cistercian tradition of centering prayer and training people in this as a prelude to contemplation itself.  Last year I was part of one such large group at the Tallaght Priory.  We learned to practice the basic steps in this quiet form of prayer and began to experience the many blessings it brings in its train.

Discussing some of the distracting blocks to prayer which are part of our western way of life, Laurence Freeman points out a way forward into Christian meditation:  Living in so-called developed countries, he says, “…may mean many things.  But it often includes the loss of human qualities such as the ability to sit still with a silent mind and to be awake to our true nature and to the Christ within….The transition begins with stillness, the control of one’s thoughts, guarding the heart against evil and its alluring lustre.”
(‘The Tablet’, 7 September 2013, p. 13)

The youngest schoolchildren can learn and appreciate this stillness; but as adults we have to re-learn it, which calls for some discipline!  However, once we commit to allocating a small amount of quality time daily to the practice, we have overcome the initial hurdle.

If you would like to learn about the practice of quiet prayer, or to join, or help establish such a group, just go to the website: www.contemplativeoutreach.ie.  Or telephone: 086 235 2299

If you would like to respond please send an e-mail to:  kskeane@eircom.net