Final Exams? The Saints Can Be The Best Study Buddies
St. Teresa of Avila teaches us a strong method of prayer that I find most useful. In short, it can start with an image that helps bring our mind into the presence of God. It could be a picture, say Jesus on the Mount of Olives, or perhaps the Holy Face of Jesus. Or, if you are more imaginative, let your mind’s inner eye create the image. Then we can contemplate that image, focusing on that image, which then can put us in a frame of mind where we can talk to our Lord, or perhaps just sit quietly and spend some time with Him. As St. Teresa said, "Prayer is simply being alone with Him, looking at Him, sharing His friendship, loving Him and allowing oneself to be loved."
Recently I have been contemplating and meditating upon God’s amazing compassion, love, and forgiveness. As he is banishing Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, he ensures their comfort by making them clothing. After Cain kills his brother, God ensures the murderer is protected from retribution from others.
As we are made in God’s image, we are called to do the same. But what does this mean? As a parent, I have been upset with a child, but of course still tend to their needs, their comfort. That’s easy. But what of others outside of our families? Do we have compassion for those who have wronged us? And not just for those who may have wronged us personally, but those who we see on the news or read about or hear about.
I contemplate Pope Francis visiting the prison showing compassion, love, and forgiveness to those who committed possibly unspeakable crimes. I am reminded of Matthew 18:21-22: “Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”
Seventy times seven.
As we know, the number seven is God’s number. So, how do we forgive? Ten times God times God. What a tall order.
So how do we do it? Perhaps we begin by showing a little compassion every day at our watercooler conversation about the tribulations broadcast twenty-four hours a day. Compassion for those who have acted amiss of societal expectations. Compassion for victims and perpetrators alike even when that show of compassion draws furrowed brows and judgmental glares.
And if we just showed a little compassion every day for a week, we would have done that seven times, God like.