In contemplation, the supernatural becomes the natural. It is the way of life that encompasses all of life, which integrates the complexities and vagaries into a meaningful and harmonious whole.  

One taste of the infinite love that God has for each of us is sufficient to perpetuate a lifelong journey of basking in that love. It is so immediate and so direct it heightens all other loving relationships in our life. It also unifies all that is disparate for this love.  

For the contemplative, the many veils of violence and terror, human suffering, hurtful relationships, and arrogant use of power are all sad separations from the love that God wills for us.  

It is the underlying constancy of God’s love that is the reconciling force, to forgive all and redeem all. In the beginning as in the end and in simplicity, for the contemplative, God has only one request, 

You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. You must love your neighbor as yourself  (Matthew 22: 37-40) 

Check out Contemplation as Integrated Prayer: Part 1 and Contemplation as Integrated Prayer: Part 2