Paul describes: 'And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.' Transformation is ongoing, increasing, relational.
I look at old photos of myself and don't recognize the person. Not because I've changed physically so much, but because something internal has shifted. I've encountered Jesus. And bit by bit, I'm becoming more like him. Not through trying. But through beholding.
That's what contemplative prayer is for me. I sit. I look at Jesus. I let his character impact me. I notice places where my character doesn't match his and I feel grief. Not shame. Grief that I'm not yet the person I'm being called to be. And that grief becomes motivation to change. But the change comes from seeing. Not from trying.
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