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Scripture~Galatians 2.19-21 (NLT)
19 For when I tried to keep the [religious] law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. 20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.
Scripture~Galatians 2.19-21 (NLT)
I have an important announcement to make. Today, this Tuesday, is Easter. That is right, we are in Easter Season. We live through this Easter Season of seven Sundays, prior to Pentecost.
The early Church put the Christian Sabbath on Sunday, not keeping it on Saturday. Why? The Living Christ arose on Sunday morning. So every Sunday is Easter Sunday for the followers of the Christ.
Then everyday is Easter for the true Christian. The Christ life is a daily living out of Christian baptism. I was immersed in my Uncle Edward's trout~and moccasin, and turtle~pond. The baptismal rite is a sign (it points to), symbol (it embodies the energy of), and sacrament (it is a means of empowerment with Grace) of sharing in the Passion~Resurrection of Christ.
3 Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? 4 For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. 5 Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. (Romans 6.3-5, NLT)
The contemplative life lives this Passion~Easter mystery at a deeper level than ordinary religious consciousness. Abandonment to Divine Providence daily, with consent into deeper union with the Triune Mystery, means a more rich experience of the Passion-Easter. This old life, death to old self, and living newness of Life (Easter Life!) drama is enacted every time we practice contemplative prayer.
Suggested Spiritual Exercise
Do a meditation on baptism. After going into Silence, say a prayer to the Holy Spirit to initiate you more deeply into the mystery of baptism. Then by imaginative meditation, see yourself at a beautiful body of water. Explore the surroundings. Notice Jesus Christ is with you. He stands beside you, to baptize you. Let the prayerful scene evolve to the point of Christ immersing you. Turn to Christ, begin to talk with him, by saying, "Christ, thank you. What do you want to teach me today about my baptism?" Let the scene evolve. When ready, slowly return to waking consciousness. Breathe deeply a few times. Sit for at least two minutes before getting up. If you journal, write about your experience. Otherwise, consider writing to or calling a spiritual friend to share about the experience, if the Spirit of Christ gives you freedom to share.
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