Becoming the Beloved, day two

As you move through your days, becoming the Beloved,

what helps you open up to the love of God?

We might look to others who have gone before us, showing us the way of Love. We can look to the saints and mystics, favorite authors (such as Henri Nouwen), and spiritual mentors. Or perhaps there are people very near us, who seem to live quite ordinary lives, but who, nevertheless, love greatly, and remind us of our own belovedness (like a grandparent, sibling, friend, neighbor, co-worker, or even a store clerk).

Larry was a check-out clerk at our local pharmacy. He was in his late 50's, and had a broad smile and energetic greeting for each person who entered the store. As each person checked out, Larry was tenderly attentive, calling each person by name, asking about their day, and blessing them as they left. His love and joy was very evident to each customer. Sadly, about a month ago, Larry had a heart attack and died suddenly. Since then, the store's staff and customers have joined Larry's family to grieve his loss. A picture of Larry is propped up at the check-out counter -- Larry's favorite spot. He will be remembered for his humble, extravagant love.

Who has modeled love for you?

On Thursday we will celebrate St. Patrick's Day, a well-known Irish saint who courageously followed his calling to establish the church in Ireland, in spite of very real dangers. The breastplate prayer (attributed to St. Patrick) is a well-known prayer for the protection of Christ. (see below) In her book "The Soul's Slow Ripening," Christine Valters Paintner wrote the following about Patrick's life:

Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, and the most well-known of all the Irish saints. He was born in 390 near England’s west coast or in Wales. When he was young, about sixteen years old, he was captured by pirates and taken to Ireland where he lived as a slave for six years...

It was during his enslavement, while spending long hours in solitude tending sheep, that he had a spiritual awakening. Through the prompting of dreams and other voices, Patrick was able to escape and return back home again. After years of studying theology in Gaul, Patrick had another dream where he heard the Irish people calling out to him to return to the place of his enslavement.

Patrick’s name actually means “one who frees hostages,” and when he returns he is very vocal in his opposition to slavery, including women.

He returned to Ireland in 432 and spent the rest of his life preaching the message of Christianity and helping to establish the Christian church in Ireland...

Here was a man enslaved, who escaped by divine intervention, and then hears the call to return to the land of his slavery and he goes willingly. He must have experienced more than his share of discomfort and strangeness at the thought.

Seeking out this “strangeness” and “exile” was at the heart of the monastic call. In going to the places which make us feel uncomfortable and staying with our experience, rather than running away, (we are) cracked open to receive the Spirit in new ways.

Prayer Practice:

Lorica Prayer: In Christian monastic tradition, a lorica is a prayer for protection. Lorica originally meant armor or breastplate. As the Beloved, Christ's Love is our most intimate and powerful protection.

As you listen to the song below, allow the music and words to flow over you, feeling the presence of Christ's Love wrapping around you as a powerful protection. You might like to repeat the words before you begin your day, or before going out, perhaps into a difficult situation, imagining yourself embraced by Christ's love.

Options:

Body prayer: You can use your arms to move with the different words of the chant: extending your hands in front of you, behind you, above you, below you, to the left and to the right.

Praying for others: you might use this song (or repeat the words without music), to pray for another person or situation you care about. As you pray, picture the person or situation encompassed by the Love of Christ.

Song: "Christ Before Me" - Keith Duke

Christ before me, Christ behind me

Christ above me, Christ below me

Christ to left and Christ to right

Christ within both day and night.

Resources:

Paintner, Christine Valters. The Soul's Slow Ripening, 12 Celtic Practices for Seeking the Sacred.