Lydenstyd-oordenkings - 8 Maart 2010

U woord is die lamp wat my die weg wys, die lig op my pad.

U verordeninge is wonderlik, daarom kom ek hulle na.
Wanneer u woord vir mense oopgaan,
bring dit lig; dit gee insig aan dié wat nog onervare is.
Met my hele wese smag ek na u gebooie, verlang ek daarna.
Sien my in genade aan soos U altyd doen vir dié wat u Naam liefhet.
Laat u woord my op die regte pad hou;
moet tog nie dat enige kwaad die oorhand oor my kry nie.
Bevry my van veronregting deur mense.
Ek wil U bevele gehoorsaam.
Verskyn tog tot my redding, leer my u voorskrifte.
My trane vloei sonder ophou omdat die mense u wet nie onderhou nie.

Ps 119:105, 129-136 (NAV)

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them.
The unfolding of Your words gives light;
it gives understanding to the simple.
I open my mouth and pant, longing for Your commands.
Turn to me and have mercy on me,
as You always do to those who love Your name.
Direct my footsteps according to Your word; let no sin rule over me.
Redeem me from the oppression of men,
that I may obey Your precepts.
Make Your face shine upon Your servant and teach me Your decrees.
Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for Your law is not obeyed.

Ps 119:105, 129-136 (NIV)

The consciousness of Christ is transmitted to us in the liturgy according to our preparation. The best preparation for receiving this transmission is the regular practice of contemplative prayer, which refines and enhances our capacity to listen and to respond to the word of God in scripture and in the liturgy. The desire to assimilate and to be assimilated into Christ's inner experience of the Ultimate Reality as Abba also characterizes contemplative prayer. The liturgy is God's way par excellence of transmitting Christ-consciousness. It is the chief place where it happens. It makes use of ritual to prepare the minds and hearts of the worshipers. When we are properly prepared, it grasps our attention at every level of our being and the special grace of the feast is, in fact communicated.

Thomas Keating