God Comes to Us

by Jody Johnson, Visitation Companion “God comes to us disguised as our lives.” — Richard Rohr Just as thoughts must be released not once, but over and over again during contemplative prayer, so our human weaknesses and flaws must be recognized, acknowledged, and surrendered again and again in our daily lives. Perhaps Read more…

Be Still and Know….

by Jody Johnson, Visitation Companion “Be still and know that I am God.” —Psalm 46:10 Like most journeyers along the contemplative path, I soon learn that silence holds not only peace but challenge. The initial balm I received in stillness has given way to an even louder clamor than before, and Read more…

Out of the Stillness…

by Jody Johnson, Visitation Companion “Lord, what else hast thou said to me by placing me in this holy monastery, but ‘My daughter, walk always in my presence, think of me in all thy ways, and I will direct thy steps?’ “–St. Jane de Chantal Out of the stillness, time unfurls Read more…

I Will Lead You into the Desert

by Jody Johnson, Visitation Companion* “I will lead you into the desert, and there I will speak to your heart.” –Hosea 2:16 I’ve come to the desert seeking silence, or seeking to enter into it more fully. I practice contemplative prayer but, if as Thomas Keating says, twenty minutes of Read more…