A hermit was meditating by a river when a young man interrupted him. “Master, I wish to become your disciple,” said the man. “Why?” replied the hermit. The young man thought for a moment. “Because I want to find God.”
The master jumped up, grabbed him by the scruff of his neck, dragged him into the river, and plunged his head under water. After holding him there for a minute, with him kicking and struggling to free himself, the master finally pulled him up out of the river. The young man coughed up water and gasped to get his breath. When he eventually quieted down, the master spoke. “Tell me, what did you want most of all when you were under water.”
“Air!” answered the man.
“Very well,” said the master. “Go home and come back to me when you want God as much as you just wanted air.”
Related posts:
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Eric 12.02.09 at 1:31 pm
Amazing! Isn’t this what Advent is all about?
Paul 12.03.09 at 8:00 am
Eric,
How did your evening of recollection go? It was last night, wasn’t it?
Paul
Eric 12.03.09 at 10:44 am
Paul,
The discussion after the prayer and journaling period was good. I think that is my best indicator. Of course, I wish the Spirit would let me snoop a bit into what he/she was doing in each soul.
Good turnout and some nice feedback, including the pastor and the priest in charge of adult ed. I hope to see them all back next week.
Thank you for asking.
Michelle 12.05.09 at 10:21 pm
I snuck off Thursday night for some Advent breathing space at the Jesuit retreat house a hour north of me – and having this story to contemplate on my return was a marvelous gift. Sometime to think about when I next I sit on the couch with God. Do I want God as much as air? Thanks, Paul!
Eric — that’s one of the things I struggle with when I write my column – is this going the way God expects/hopes/desires? And I can’t even see people’s faces…or hear them…
That experience is teaching me more about how to look for the breezes of the Spirit — that tend to appear like those momentary cool breezes on a oppressive summer’s day, bringing with them both relief and renewed purpose. May you feel even more of that breeze of God on your face when you come through the door next week!!
Michelle
Paul 12.08.09 at 8:38 am
Michelle,
On this frigid and snowy Chicago morning, I don’t really want to think about cool breezes!
Do I want God as much as air? This much I know, I want to want God as much as air. That’ll have to do for the present.
Paul