The ability to think is unmistakably a gift of the human experience, and our understanding of our faith owes much to great thinkers like Thomas Aquinas, or more recently, Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI. Yet, even the most inspired and profound of human thoughts are severely limited in its ability to capture, let alone express, the Mystery of God. Recall Gods familiar words to the prophet Isaiah: “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, my thoughts higher than your thoughts” (55:9). Thoughts can point to God, thoughts can guide us to God, but any true Divine encounter must transcend thoughts, for thoughts are an inadequate “wineskin” for the wine of God. This is why contemplative practitioners are directed to “Retain no thought,” also known as detachment. There is insight here into why the mass is not long on catechesis compared to the Sunday celebrations of our brothers and sisters in other Christian communions. No amount of head knowledge will ever fully prepare us for the Eucharist – we finally have to do it, instead of just thinking about it!

“Come And Be” with the MMOC Contemplative Core Team ([email protected]) on August 3 from 10:30-11:30am in classrooms 1 & 2 – Share insights from your life of prayer in fellowship with others, and help us chart a course for our future! And don’t forget to take our survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CM9F62J, or find copies in the vestibule.