Volume 22. Number 2 June 2007

Newsletter Table of Contents ~ Fr. Keating's Article ~ President's Letter ~ Reader's Reflections
Contemplative Life Program ~ New Resources ~ Spanish Corner ~ Chapter Updates

From the President

Doing What is Next

Doing what is next without argument is devotion to God.

I just experienced a Holy Week retreat and spent this most holy time in silence. I’ve always regarded this time of the year as very special, attending all the liturgical services in my local parish and, years ago, when Chrysalis House was in existence, I attended the Easter Vigil services with my Contemplative Outreach friends. 

I pondered attending this Holy Week retreat many times, but never took the time to “go apart awhile.” I was always too busy with “Easter preparations”. You might ask, “What is a better preparation for Easter than a Holy Week retreat?” A very good question – and one I had never asked myself. This year, I missed my annual Amarillo Post-Intensive retreat because of my duties at the office. Dyane McMahon, our Executive Director, resigned in February to take another position in New York City and there was much to do. I found myself doing what was required of me next without argument.

At that point, I was overdue for a retreat, longing for silence, solitude and community Centering Prayer. I was ready for a retreat. So, I gave myself to this experience wholeheartedly, glad to be there, to be silent, and to participate – to get my feet washed. 

I want to share a moment of my retreat that has remained with me. It happened very unexpectedly. Although it was a “momentary experience” I’ll give you a few details to set the “stage” with some background. During Good Friday we had time to venerate the Cross - the crucifix was laid on the floor propped up on a purple pillow with a purple fabric draped alongside it. After the services many of us lingered, spent time in silence, and departed when we each felt ready to retire for the evening. Upon returning on early Saturday morning for Centering Prayer, I found the room untouched and filled with reverence. I almost tiptoed in and out of the room so as not to disturb the silence. His presence was engulfing us.

Later that day we gathered again for Centering Prayer. As I entered the room I was greeted by the “empty tomb”, the crucifix was gone, only the purple pillow and the purple drape remained. I can’t explain the next couple of seconds – which seemed like an eternity and a throw-back in time simultaneously – I became Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Mary the Mother of James all at once. I felt completely confused, empty and shocked! Where was Jesus? I felt bereaved and lost. I moved to my place in the prayer room – the gong sounded and Centering Prayer began. Disoriented as I was, I did what came next. Afterwards, still dazed by the experience, I lingered on my prayer cushion, my head bowed. In the very depth of my being I heard the whisper of that small, still voice repeat over and over again – “He has risen!”

On Sunday morning, the message we received was this, “Our time together and this Holy Week experience has the next fifty days to unfold, so stay awake, listen, be open and wait for the Lord.” What will the next fifty days, the next fifty weeks hold in store? This is the question I ask you to hold in your heart now.

I share this momentary experience with you NOT because I had a revelation but to encourage you to take the time for retreat, a time apart, to be present to the presence and action of God within and in our midst. As for this moment, I await the opportunity to do what is next without argument… Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Indeed, He is Risen!

Gail Fitzpatrick-Hopler, President

Newsletter Table of Contents ~ Fr. Keating's Article ~ President's Letter ~ Reader's Reflections
Contemplative Life Program ~ New Resources ~ Spanish Corner ~ Chapter Updates