03/05/2026
Beneath the Shouting:Leading with Contemplative Presence
In these polarizing times how do we retain our peace and be present with others? Often, we carry an internal scorecard. A 17th century Jesuit priest wrote this: when we are fully present with God, the soul is light as a feather, liquid as water, simple as a child, and easily moved as a ball by every inspiration of grace. Contemplation is to gaze, to behold and to observe. It’s to pay attention to divine presence, to see beneath the surface and listen beneath the noise- as Elijah did outside his cave, straining to hear the still, small voice.
One of the beautiful things about contemplative spirituality is that it’s not about getting it right. It’s about being present with God. That’s the gift that contemplative practice offers in polarizing times- not escape, but grounding. Not answers, but presence. Not certainty, but trust. Psalm 46:10 - “Be still and know that I am God.”
