(written in 2005)
We, Pauline, finished building “Alberione Center” for our pastoral and apostolic activities by means of mass communications last year, but our Congregation is still reconstructing the buildings these days. In spite of the difficulties, we decided to reconstruct the community buildings because they were so old that the water pipes had gotten rusty and the water began to turn red.
Because of this situation, the two remaining buildings are so crowded at present that many young sisters are sharing the room with one or two other sisters. Of course, the room is divided by a curtain, but everything is open like a shared dormitory. I think we have to endure it for about two years.
One day, I entered my room late at night after work and found two roommates talking aloud. I didn't mention anything about it and went to bed immediately. In fact, I was tired and sleepy. One of them came to me to talk, but I responded "I want to keep silent at night." In fact, keeping silent at night is our rule, but she was somewhat angry at my response. She is the type of person who enjoys talking.
I earnestly want to remain alone to be silent from time to time. Using the same room with others brings more concern and sometimes disturbs the silence. I feel I need some space for myself only. Some people tend to talk a lot not only to communicate but also to release tension and stress. There are some other people who rather choose to be alone and be silent to empower their inner self. By means of silence and solitude, some of us can be encouraged, inspired, and empowered.
While pondering on the differences in personality, I happened to read "God's Space in You," which has been recently translated and published by Pauline. It's a simple and easy guide to contemplation written by Melvyn Matthew who retired from his pastoral activity as the Canon Chancellor of the Anglican Church in England last April. I enjoyed reading him and quite agree with his thoughts.
He calls the contemplative inner life 'Godspace' and links this concept to the contemplative and mystical tradition. It encourages ordinary people to be more aware of the value of the inner life. When we are aware and lead the inner life in our daily lives, it will surely make us aware of God and the needs of the people around us.
Look at the modern world full of words and speed. We have car radios, portable TV, computer, Internet, cellular phone, etc. In the hectic business of this world, it is not easy to keep harmony and pray from within. Human beings need space in order to be fully human. We need some space not only in a physical sense but more in a spiritual sense. Composure, generosity, understanding, and sharing come from inner space.
In order to be whole, we need to recognize and welcome this inner space and accept it as the most wonderful gift leading to goodness, truth, and beauty. Inner contemplative space is the source of life, joy, unity, and happiness. Each day is filled with various activities, so we are busy and sometimes in a hurry. However, when we open ourselves to positive silence full of goodness and heavenly presence, we can see the potential power of beings.
More than ever before, many people are looking for retreat houses or temples in the mountain in search of inner peace and silence. Julian of Norwich says "our soul is created to be God's dwelling place." Division and conflict result from our lack of relationship with the divine center or the presence of God. For some of you, this presence can be the ultimate being.
The contemplative life leads us to goodness. It enables us to pursue what is good and true in us and in the world. Our world needs people who dedicate themselves to the pursuit of goodness and truth. Contemplation brings silence and slowness into our lives. Openness to the creation, attention to goodness, care for the earth, and stillness with others come from contemplative life.
The mystics or contemplatives such as Julian of Norwich, St. Teresa of Avila, Meister Eckhardt, and St. John of the Cross were free to move in compassion to protect the weak and lift up the fallen. They didn't ignore the witness of their lives. None of them were inactive or lacked compassion for the world's ills. Thus, we can say contemplation leads us to be more active in the presence of God. At least for a moment a day, let's have God's space in us.
The Korea Times/ Thoughts of the Times/ June 21, 2005
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