A SIX -FOOT-SIX PRIEST

Classical 7 circuit Labyrinth

Does God listen more to a six-foot-six priest than a five-foot-four one. I know I would. This week we look at Father Elwood "Bud" Keiser, a Paulist priest who described his ritual experience of daily meditation with God. It is a good reflection to end the series on Meditation and Prayer from our text, The Life of Meaning. Father "Bud's" expression is very personal and experiential. Because it is such, I have decided to simply present some of his statements and let you reply in a form of dialogue from your own impressions.

"So I just bring myself into the presence of God, and then it goes where it goes."

"He's present in darkness and sometimes in loneliness, but he's there."

"So you go through those things, (distractions) and the way you go through them is not to say I don't want that -- you just ignore them and go deeper, Let God draw you in."

"...at the pit of your unconscious is where we meet God. So the deeper you get into yourself, the closer you get to God."

"...you've got to let it all go...Because there's not even enough room for your clothes to get through this narrow space."

"But God is not only transcendent out there and beyond everything -- he also in me. He's in everybody around me. He's in the love that joins us together. And he's in the creative process."

...you give him permission to permeate your being. And when he moves in, he moves in as love, as Father."

"All my big decisions happen in that hour (meditation), and some of my best creative ideas happen there."

"Plus I have to ask myself...does this make me a more whole, more integrated, more loving human being?"

"The biggest sin is to sit on your fanny and do nothing."

"Dante says, 'In thy will, O Lord, we find our peace." I think this has been the will of God for me. It's been a good life. I'm happy with it."

Walter Morton for Terra Incognita