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But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
*Galatians 6.14 (ESV)
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R. A. Herrera, in Silent Music, a book on the Spanish Carmelite, John of the Cross, notes the saintly mystic followed "the narrow path." This way, Herrera says, was a life of la cruz a secas: lit., "the cross unadorned."
Such a life was marked with an "innerness," or love of inner and outer solitude - though John was a highly active man - one guarded by refusal to comply with the typical argumentation among intellectuals and theologians of his day.
To live the cross unadorned requires a discipleship to Christ beyond the conventional forms of Christian faith. While one does not resist the aspects of institutionalism as evil, the contemplative guards against becoming overly involved in it or its politics - including its argumentation and divisiveness. The contemplative Christian does this, not out of reactivity, but out of a confession that he or she is called to another vocation: to be a Light of a deeper spiritual Way in Christ.
If the contemplative of Christ weds himself or herself to conventional faith, he or she forfeits the power of the vocation given him or her as a spiritual charism, and the power of service he or she can give even to the institutional "church." However, the person knows that that "church" is only a shadow of the true Body of Christ, and the contemplative must not identify with it, but only with the Body spiritual living under the cross.
I have a practice of praying and meditating with a crucifix on my forehead, between my eyes - the location of the body that is a sign of spiritual insight. I, also, do the sign of the cross during my practice of the daily and nightly Hours. These acts remind me to recommit myself to la cruz a secas.
May more Christians commit to living the cross unadorned, unashamed of the Gospel that shows us death is the way to celestial Life, and the cross the threshold to spiritual Love.
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*Charitable contributions would be appreciated to assist Brian in continuing his ministry. For contributions, contact Brian at barukhattah@embarqmail.com . Brian is in need of more funding to purchase a desk-top computer, after his was hit by lightening and is inoperable.
*Brian's book of spiritual love poetry, An Ache for Union: Oneness with God through Love, can be ordered through major booksellers or the Cokesbury on-line store, cokesbury.com .
*Brian K. Wilcox, a United Methodist Pastor, lives in Southwest Florida. He is a vowed member of Greenbough House of Prayer, a contemplative Christian community in South Georgia. He lives a contemplative life and seeks to inspire others to enjoy a more intimate relationship with Christ. Brian advocates for a spiritually-focused, experiential Christianity and renewal of the Church through addressing the deeper spiritual needs and longings of persons.
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