A phrase from Holy Scripture that is quoted quite often is "pray without ceasing." I have always found myself ignoring this and deaming it as a nice idea, but not meant to be taken literally. I figured that the only way to literally enter into this reality was to become a monk and just do nothing but pray in a chapel. However, my heart disagrees with my practical reasoning with this issue.

We are made for union with the Bridegroom, and we don't necessarily have to wait until Heaven to experience this reality in its totality. This type of union isn't reserved just for the few that are called to a celibate life of prayer. It is a reality that all persons are called to, especially those who have been been adopted as sons or daughters of God through baptism. What is keeping me from experiencing this reality? In my last post, I wrote an intimate prayer from Jesus about how we are called to live a life of sacrifice in order to enter into this union, but I find myself only able to focus on this during the context of the liturgy. At the end of the day during my examine (if I remember to do one), I can see so clearly how I have fallen short of this idea of "praying without ceasing." Many days I find that I had only acknowledged God during my scheduled times of prayer, but that is only about 15% of my time awake. 

I have started reading a short book called The Practice of the Presence of God  by Brother Lawrence. His solution to this is to simply start entering into the presence of God at all times. He says that we overcomplicate it too much. I have a feeling that he is right. Ever since our silent retreat to start the year, I have had this desire to enter into this type of awareness more. I lasted about a few days of making a good effort, but then school and homework came. I find myself in the middle of the cloudy winter, and I want to renew this desire. 

I had such an amazing time this past weekend at the Josephinum basketball tournament. I had zero expectations going into the weekend, and I found myself angry when I had to go back to Cleveland. I encountered so much joy and goodness in the other seminarians there as well as the brotherhood that I got to experience with my classmates. There is so much to soak in and give thanks for. I hope to use this as a springboard to pray without ceasing... as much haha. 

I also suspect that entering into this practice is a key to rooting vice out of our lives. When we are aware of the presence of God, it is much harder to say no to Him. If we still do, then we are guilty of a greater sin than if we were disengaged from the super natural reality that we are participating in. When I am tempted to go binge on YouTube to numb the bordem caused by homework, it is a lot easier to give in when I don't acknowledge God and ask for strength. This can be applied to any sin.

Some people are worried about getting to Heaven and messing it up by sinning. When we are in a perfect, united gaze with the Bridegroom's divine, unveiled face, how could we possibly even consider sinning? The radiating light would penetrate the caverns of our soul so deeply that darkness could not possibly stand to exist any longer. 

Lord Jesus, continue to shine Your light upon me as I follow You. Shine Your light with such an intensity that I may never be able to ignore its presense. When I am lost at sea in the mighty waves of temptation and sin, shine Your light like a lighthouse so that I may find my way back to shore and safety in the gaze of Your love for me.

You told the apostles that You were going to leave them many times in order to send the Advocate. Help me to reject the lie that You are no longer with me, but through the Advocate, you dwell in the depths of my soul through my baptism and reception of the most Holy Eucharist. Shine your light so that I may always be led to your altar where our union is consumated in the flesh.

I give you thanks and praise for all that You have done for me, are doing for me, and will continue to do for me despite my frequent rejections. Keep on guiding me on this wonderful adventure that you have gifted me. When I find myself falling off the path, shine Your light so that I may find You again.