God had indeed changed the direction of my life and I “knew” from the beginning of my CPE chaplain training that God’s will and my will were one. It was only a matter of a few months when my experience of the gift of union in God’s love in contemplation turned to direct action in ministry to God’s people.  

As stated earlier, I see my ministry as bringing souls closer to God. Often, this means intervening in prayer when persons are unable to pray on their own or sharing prayer with those who are in need and most vulnerable.  

It is God’s guidance in contemplation that has taught me how to pray and led me to understand the truths and ways of God’s love. In contemplation, the fullness of God’s love is revealed not only with regard to self but also with respect to all humankind. It is finally and fully understood that God’s love is for all and with all, without limit or condition.  

God’s forgiveness is both universal and for each of us individually. In wisdom, we have the choice to accept or reject God, but God’s love and forgiveness are always there for us—always waiting for our answer, our response.  

Our capacity to love God is conditioned by our continuing response to the invitation to grace. We are like “earthen vessels,” in Paul’s words, each with a different capacity to love God, but like a cup filled to the brim with God’s love. 

We are only the earthen jars that hold this treasure, to make it clear that such overwhelming power comes from God and not from us.  (2 Corinthians. 4:7)

Click to check out Meditation Becomes Contemplation: Part 1, Meditation Becomes Contemplation: Part 2, Meditation Becomes Contemplation: Part 3, Meditation Becomes Contemplation: Part 4, and Meditation Becomes Contemplation: Part 5