PAX

Monday, March 13, 2017

I finished reading my collection of spiritual poetry, “The Enlightened Heart,” edited by Stephen Mitchell. One of the last poems in the collection, entitled “Pax” (peace) by D.H. Lawrence (1885-1930) evokes so beautiful the experience of contemplative prayer that I have decided to share the entire poem with you today. Perhaps you can use it as a reading before you begin a session of meditation or quiet prayer.

“All that matters is to be at one with the living God

to be a creature in the house of the God of Life.

Like a cat asleep on a chair

at peace, in peace

and at one with the master of the house, with the mistress,

at home, at home in the house of the living,

sleeping on the hearth, and yawning before the fire.

Sleep on the hearth of the living world

yawning at home before the fire of life

feeling the presence of the living God

like a great reassurance

a deep calm in the heart

a presence

as of the master sitting at the board

in his own and greater being,

in the house of life.

God bless you!