union

Opening Prayer: Let me know you, O Lord, who knows me; let me know you as I am known.  Enter into my soul and fit it for yourself so that you may have it and hold it without spot or wrinkle.  This is my hope.  Amen.  (Confessions by St. Augustine)

Scripture: John 17:20-23

Journal: What does union with God mean to you?  What do you think it means to God?

Reflection: The mystics keep telling us that the goal of that prayer and the goal of that hidden life which should itself become more and more of a prayer, is “union with God.”  We use that phrase often, much too often to preserve the wholesome sense of its awe-fullness.  For what does union with God mean?  It is not a nice feeling we get in devout moments.  That may or may not be a by-product of union—probably not.  It can never be its substance.  Union with God means every bit of our human mature transfigured in Christ, woven up into his creative life and activity, absorbed into his redeeming purpose, heart, soul, mind and strength.  Each time it happens it means that one of God’s creatures has achieved its destiny. (Light of Christ by Evelyn Underhill)

Prayer

Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you that what you offer us is far more than a distant, formal acquaintance.  You desire so much more for us and from us.  You desire an intimate, passionate connection—a deep knowing.  Thank you that what you really want is for us to abide in you, that what you really desire is intimate union.  And thank you that you will settle for nothing less, help that to be true of us as well.  Amen.