Being the Beloved:
stories of ongoing transformation in daily life
By Stan Jacobson, Spiritual Director
“Being the Beloved” is a familiar saying in the Christian tradition and especially among those of us who are spiritual directors. Yet while I was recently sick with Covid 19--my mind was still clear and not totally jumbled, I did some reading. In the book Spiritual Direction by Henri Nouwen, Henri used a guided meditation composed by Arthur LeClair. In a brief form it goes like this:
For ten minutes say the words Jesus, You are the Beloved
For another ten minutes say the words, Jesus, I am the Beloved
Finally, say the words, Jesus, we (all) are the Beloved.
It is the last part of the progression of three, Jesus, we (all) are the Beloved, that I had not seen before. Periodically, throughout the day I have used all three statements, slowly, reverently, thoughtfully. When I have come to the last phrase I have visualized my neighbors, most of whom do not claim to be Christian. At other times I have visualized politicians of the opposite party from myself. In this way I am calling forth God’s unfailing love upon all people, especially upon those who think, and act differently than I do.
What books, media, activities are nurturing your heart, soul, mind, strength in this season as we are loving God and our neighbor as ourselves? Post in the comments below or hop on over to our Facebook page and share with one another.
Image: Stan’s Bench; Photo credit: Andrew Jacobson (Stan’s son)