Reflection

Reflection, Contemplation, and Prayer:
A Triad of Spiritual Awareness
Part 3: Reflection

You may have noticed by now that I am not addressing this topic in the same order as I express it in the title. As you undertake the incredible journey of deepening Spiritual Awareness, you will find progress in fits and starts. Just as you feel comfortable with the way you are praying, you will feel unsatisfied with your reflection. Or, just when you have settled down to your routine in contemplation, your mind wisks you to errant thought. While this will be unsettling (and possibly discouraging) it is normal and a sign that you are, indeed, progressing.

I am taking these topics in a random order from the title because your progress will randomly gyrate. This will, no doubt, be more difficult for those who are more dedicated to order. This is, however, the way it works because as you grow in one area and are sufficient, God will perfect another area you are lacking. It is like a child learning arithmetic: as they learn numbers, they can then learn to add, but to add more, they must learn new numbers. 

Today, then, we will briefly discuss Reflection. 

Reflection: 1. Approaching a time, object, memory, or circumstance with the intention of seeing God at work. 2. Engaging a time, object, memory, or circumstance, such as recalling a memory or looking at a crucifix, focused on God to perceive God reflected in the moment/object.

Contemplation: 1. To be fully present in our heart and mind focused on one aspect of our self while also being emptied of the self in order for God to be present. 2. Intentionally emptying the mind of thought to provide a quietude to encounter God.

Prayer: 1. A spiritual communication between us and God; a two-way relationship in which we not only talk to God but also listen to God. 2. Prayer includes Adoration/Blessing, Contrition/Repentance, Thanksgiving/Gratitude, and Supplication/Petition/Intercession.
 
Going to God in Prayer is necessary, as God has commanded it; but as with the stages of prayer (more on this later) Reflection has several sides. Reflection will always be a part of our prayer process as we pray. Reflecting can happen in the moment when we feel called to ponder a prayer we have just offered. Reflection is often a necessary interlude when we are in prayer dialogue with God. Reflection, as a spiritual moment–out of time, but in time as prayer–is our mental/spiritual response to God’s prompting for deeper thought; but there is also a preparatory phase to prayer that must be undertaken–Reflection.
 
We reflect on all the areas of our lives at one time or another:
“Did I say the right thing?”
“Should I have left?”
“Why didn’t I say something?”
“WHY?”

Often these reflections die as reflective moments because they were unwanted and intrusive in the moment. You were just walking along, and this thought came into your head demanding to be reflected upon: “WHY?”  Why? Some circles say that this is your subconscious trying to work out an unfinished thought or event, and it may well be. The problem is that it is almost always unpleasant, and so we snuff it out as quickly as possible. As people of faith, however, we know that God speaks to us “in good times and bad” and calls us to be the better “us” by refining who we are through reflection. Thus, when we snuff out that intrusive thought, we are slamming the door on divine instruction.
 
We need to cultivate the process of accepting those reflective moments and engaging them in serious thought and consideration, i.e. Reflection.
“Why did I? Hmm, maybe it was because…I don’t know, is that how I really feel? Why?”

The process of proactive deliberative thought about who we are and why we do the things we do will absolutely lead you to be a better “you”. This is why God intrudes.
 
We live with the invitation and possibility of Reflection every moment. Whether intrusive or sought after, Reflection is God honoring our desire to be better/more. To become something new, however, we must recognize the need for change and “to boldly go where I have never gone before” (sorry, I just had to). So important and vital is this process of Reflection that it is ubiquitous with life itself—so constant and yet so obscured.
 
Why do we not recognize the opportunities for Reflection more often? For one thing, it is work. We are so inundated with information and the demands of life for so long that this interior level of reflection simply becomes a deliberation, and we have the power to turn it off. Our earthly responsibilities, commitments, and desires have succeeded in exhausting us and obscuring the greater good: God’s promise to “be with us always.” For, how do we know someone is with us unless they are made known to us? 
 
When we become aware of the opportunities in everyday life to reflect and change to the glory of God (and the benefit of all those around us), we also become aware of the need for help. To this end, and for other reasons, many people engage in a daily “inspiration;” for example, an inspirational prayer, devotion, booklet, or podcast to start off the day. However, as wonderful as morning devotions may be, the key is not in the hearing, but in the Reflection. “I know I need this; now how do I apply it?” is the question you must repeat all day.
 
 “...but there is also a preparatory phase to prayer that must be undertaken–Reflection.”
 
As you prepare for Prayer and continue to up the ante (your buy-in) to spiritual growth, your awareness of and commitment to Reflection moves to a new level. Not only are you reflecting on that podcast, but you are also seeking after the scripture you heard or were reminded of. Or perhaps you are waking in the morning to a passage of scripture already in your head. You seek it out; NEVER let the moment go by that a passage of “random scripture” pops into your head as anything but God speaking to!
 
This practice of seeking scripture and reflecting on it throughout the day needs to happen every day. The reflection of the day will feed, power, and clarify your prayer time. The single most effective thing you can do to accelerate and deepen your Spiritual Growth is to reflect on the meaning of Scripture in your life. 
 
Scriptural Reflection will illuminate God working in your life. This will be a blessing in itself, as you will feel closer to God now realizing God has been with you all the time, but you will see that more clearly. Scriptural Reflection will show you the areas of your life that need attention and the unproductive habits that are holding you back. While this sounds bad, God’s gift of grace mediates these revelations, and with love and compassion, frees you from a burden you may not know you had. Now, in your prayers, you can truly confess your failings to God and receive forgiveness.
 
“...a preparatory phase.”
 
Reflection:   1. Approaching a time, object, memory, or circumstance with the intention of seeing God at work.

Wake with the intention and practice of going to God in all things. Embrace the “WHYs?” of the day with excitement, trusting that God is leading you into a new beginning. 

 2. Engaging a time, object, memory, or circumstance, such as recalling a memory or looking at a crucifix, focused on God to perceive God reflected in the moment/object.

Encounter and traverse the day with Scripture in your heart and mind, reflecting on the divine life of Christ. 
 
Scripture is the Word of God, manifested through time in written form. Hold onto Jesus throughout the day as, through him (Spirit and Word), you will find a depth to your life and spirit you have never known.
 
We continue next week with part 4.
 
Reflecting on God, 
Fr. Bill+