Thanks for sharing this. I loved your talk. I especially appreciated your reference to how we need to fully unite all of ourselves -- "the whole of us," as you put it -- during an encounter/experience. And if we do this well, meaning fully, we encounter more beauty. What you said reminded me of a great quote by Father Jean-Pierre de Caussaude:
"The present moment is always full of infinite treasure. It contains far more than you can possibly grasp. Faith is the measure of its riches: what you find in the present moment is according to the measure of your faith. Love also is the measure: the more the heart loves, the more it rejoices in what God provides. The will of God presents itself at each moment like an immense ocean that the desire of your heart cannot empty; yet you will drink from that ocean according to your faith and love."
When we encounter others, in the present moment -- staying fully present each moment, full of faith that God is pouring out His Divine Providence in that moment, and full of love for what, or whom we encountering -- then there is immense Beauty in that encounter.
Because what is more beautiful than God's love, or accepting God's will, or having great faith that what is happening in that moment, which Father de Caussaude used to refer to as "the Sacrament of the Present Moment," is exactly what will lead us to heaven.
So, bravo for an inspirational talk and bravo for promoting the beauty of encounters!
Thanks for sharing this. I loved your talk. I especially appreciated your reference to how we need to fully unite all of ourselves -- "the whole of us," as you put it -- during an encounter/experience. And if we do this well, meaning fully, we encounter more beauty. What you said reminded me of a great quote by Father Jean-Pierre de Caussaude:
"The present moment is always full of infinite treasure. It contains far more than you can possibly grasp. Faith is the measure of its riches: what you find in the present moment is according to the measure of your faith. Love also is the measure: the more the heart loves, the more it rejoices in what God provides. The will of God presents itself at each moment like an immense ocean that the desire of your heart cannot empty; yet you will drink from that ocean according to your faith and love."
When we encounter others, in the present moment -- staying fully present each moment, full of faith that God is pouring out His Divine Providence in that moment, and full of love for what, or whom we encountering -- then there is immense Beauty in that encounter.
Because what is more beautiful than God's love, or accepting God's will, or having great faith that what is happening in that moment, which Father de Caussaude used to refer to as "the Sacrament of the Present Moment," is exactly what will lead us to heaven.
So, bravo for an inspirational talk and bravo for promoting the beauty of encounters!