Welcoming “Loves Pure Light” Through the Womb in Your Soul

When I was a chaplain helping people work the 12-Step Program, people often said “’E-G-O’ stands for ‘Edging God Out’.” Right during the very first step, it was crucial for the ego to surrender control… to “Let go and let God”.

Perhaps our greatest example of one who did not Edge God Out is Mary, who said “Let it be according to Your word.” And so, while fleeing persecution, she bore in her womb and gave birth to the Christ child. What a strange way for “love’s pure light” to come into our world.

Especially during Advent, we are reminded that our ego should not be so busy that we edge God out. We are encouraged to immerse our souls in times of hospitality, generosity, and goodwill… to open our hearts and souls, and be present to love’s pure light. *(At the end of this post, you can find a link containing a helpful contrast between our “ego stories” and “soul stories’.)

Through our church, we have a weekly Centering Prayer and Sacred Reading (Lectio Divina) group that meets via Zoom. (You are welcome to join us any Tuesday &/or Thursday from 7-8 am at this zoom link https://zoom.fumcfw.org/2 ) During Advent we’ve been reading a special poem written in the 1500s by St. John of the Cross. It challenges each of us to ponder what God wants to be born in our souls and in our encounters with others:

If You Want

If
you want,
the Virgin will come walking down the road
pregnant with the holy,
and say,

“I need shelter for the night, please take me inside your heart,
my time is so close.“

Then, under the roof of your soul, you will witness the sublime
intimacy, the divine, the Christ,
taking birth
forever,

As she grasps your hand for help, for each of us
is the midwife of God, each of us.

Yes, there, under the dome of your being does creation
come into existence, eternally, through your womb, dear pilgrim —
the sacred womb in your soul.

As God grasps our arms for help; for each of us is
His beloved servant,
never
far.

If you want, the virgin will come walking
down the street pregnant
with Light and
sing…

——

What is being made new through the womb of your soul?
What does God want to be born in your soul during Christmastide…
and throughout the new year…?

Grace and Peace during these Holy Days.

Len

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