I think it looks like a graveyard, now that the sunflowers have been harvested.
People talk about feeling the love of God, but how are we supposed to do that? Is it some sort of mystical experience only available to the spiritual elite? Or only to people graced with a particular sensitivity? Personally, I think that God’s love is much more accessible to us than that. In fact, God’s love is expressed any time we love others or others love us. I believe we can learn to take that experience of God’s love mediated through other people (and animals) and use it to tap into a sense of God’s unmediated love for us. How about trying the following exercise?
Settle into your seat, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Rest calmly in silence for as long as you are comfortable. Then bring to mind a moment when you felt loved. If this is difficult for you, bring to mind a moment when you felt great love for somebody else. Dwell in this feeling. Revel in the warmth. Notice how it feels in your body, how it feels in your whole being. Imprint this feeling strongly in your mind, body and spirit.
Mark 10:13-16
People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’ And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.
Imagine yourself as a small child, out for a walk with a parental figure. It’s a warm sunny day, and you are feeling happy and relaxed. You come across a crowd of children gathered around Jesus. You separate from your parent and approach the crowd. Jesus is smiling and laughing with the children. He speaks words of blessing over them and the children go away happy. How do you react to that? Now it’s your turn to receive a blessing – go up to Jesus and let him give you a big bear hug. Now bring back to mind that experience of love you just recalled and feel it now. Experience it as God’s love being directly shared with you in the present moment. Rest there for a while.
What does Jesus say to you, if anything?
Now talk with God about this experience. Were you able to sense God’s love? Perhaps it was difficult. Be honest with God, and ask for more love for yourself and for the whole world.