Reflective Meditation

REFLECTIVE MEDITATION

Cl. Mario D’Couto SDB

            The word ‘reflect’ means to go back or to revert back like for instance, when I see myself in the mirror, the image on the mirror comes back to me or if I look at myself in the water or in a pond, the reflection of the image on the water comes back to me. A similar thing happens in the spiritual realm where over here reflection means to go back or to look within one’s self.

            Meditations will not solve our problems; it won’t free us form the monotony of daily chores or make our bad habits disappear all at once. But it will help us face each new day with renewed faith and vigour. In a time of decision, it encourages us to discover who we are and to discern what God is asking of us. If we are able to reflect on the words of the Gospels in a meditative way, we will hear more personally Christ’s message of love and salvation.

            Meditative reflection unites our mind and soul to God. Though we are alone in our quiet place, we are at one with Him. The closer we grow towards Him in meditation, the closer we grow towards one another. Thus in this way, we learn the true meaning of life and love.

            In meditative reflection we see the whole self made in the image and likeness of God. By contrast, if we isolate a particular emotion, motive or need, without seeing it in a wider perspective, we may get caught in introspection and begin to identify our whole self with only these limited aspects. Meditative reflection admits the whole picture; introspection is only a portion, for it isolates our attitudes and responses.

            The soil in which it is rooted gives the flower the strength to withstand the forces of nature. Likewise if I look at myself as rooted in the Sacred, I see that is the Sacred who gives me strength. It is God who sustains my being and gives me life. If it cut myself off from Him in introspective isolation, I lose touch with the healing presence of Christ.

            Because I am human, I will fall; because I have been redeemed I am able to rise again. The joy of the Christian life is that we are constantly growing. Behind everything we try to see in faith a loving Father, who cares for us, who heals our past and transforms our future.

            To learn to reflect meditatively involves a gradual process that anyone can undertake. All that is required is that I regularly set aside some time to look at my situation in God’s light. Slowly I begin to discover those self – centered, envious or negative outlooks that distort my view. With God’s grace, I can transform these obstacles and open myself more and more to the silent meaning behind all events.


             

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