Across the Threshold: Contemplative Living

The Divine Indwelling

What if the noise of our lives is drowning out the very voice of God? What if the Divine Presence we so desperately seek is not somewhere “out there” but quietly dwelling within us, waiting to be discovered in the stillness we so often avoid? In the rush of daily life, have we forgotten how to simply be – to sit, to breathe, to listen? These questions beckon us into the sacred mystery of contemplative living, where silence becomes a sanctuary and every moment holds the potential for divine encounter. 

Contemplation is life itself, fully awake, fully active, and fully aware that it is alive. It is spiritual wonder. It is spontaneous awe at the sacredness of life. —THOMAS MERTON

Contemplation is an invitation to rediscover the sacred within ourselves and the world around us. It calls us to pause, embrace silence, and journey inward toward the Divine Indwelling. In a culture consumed by noise and activity, contemplative living offers a counterbalance – a way of being that fosters peace, clarity, and connection. 

At its heart, contemplative living is about recognizing the Divine Presence in every moment. Through practices like centering prayer, mindfulness meditation, or simply sitting in stillness, we create space to listen to God’s voice in the silence. This silence becomes a gateway to transformation, reshaping how we experience relationships, time, and everyday tasks. Life itself becomes a prayer – a sacred offering to God and others.

Love is my true identity. Selflessness is my true self. —THOMAS MERTON

True contemplation does not isolate; rather, it binds us together in love and compassion. It reveals our true self – a self-rooted in Divine love and interconnected with all creation. This journey inward is not an escape from the world but a means to engage with it more deeply and authentically.

By embracing contemplative practices, we align ourselves with God’s providence – the loving presence actively working through us. Tasks become opportunities for grace; people become gifts; and life unfolds as sacred. Let us create moments of sacred silence in our lives. In doing so, we awaken to the divine within and around us, discovering that everything – every breath, every moment – is imbued with holiness.

Peace,
Joseph Krans, Executive Director