Editorial

Spiritual Life, Summer 1999 by O'Donnell, Edward

RIGHT NOW I AM SITTING NEAR a flowing stream, Rock Creek, that runs through the middle of Washington, DC. The whole area, known as Rock Creek Park, is one of my favorite places to go in Washington to escape the sounds of the city and to be in touch with the gentle and quiet aspects of nature. I like to look at the different flowers that bloom around the creek, at the vines that grow up and entangle the trees. I also like to look at the way the water splashes against the rocks. All of this is very calming for me, giving me a sense that nature and I are one.

Of course, I don't need to go to Rock Creek Park to be convinced that I am one with all of nature, that I am one with the God who is creator of all this beauty. When I am in the midst of the city, on the Metro, or on one of the major streets, I can take time to grasp the connection between myself and all the people I see moving by me. So often, though, we pass each other as strangers, and yet we share a profound and common bond with one another-our childhood in God. There are so many obstacles to having such a dear vision in the midst of this activity and noise. That is why the beauty of nature, such as the waters of Rock Creek, heighten my awareness of my unity with all of creation and with God.

Humility, which is so often talked about and so often misunderstood, is an entrance into the awareness of how profoundly we are related to God. Humility clears aside all the self-centered clutter that separates each one of us from God and from one another. Humility simply draws us down into our own center where we meet both ourselves and our God, and we are joyful there. We don't need to pretend to be better than we are to meet God. We don't need to pretend to be of great importance to meet other people. We simply have to enter the deep and consistent stream that runs through our own center, the stream of humility and of God's loving grace. Only when I move beyond my preoccupations do I find myself refreshed by the waters of humility.

Speaking like this is quite easy. Writing it down may be even easier. Staying with it on a regular daily basis so challenges each one of us that we give up, let go, and move into a world in which our focus is our own needs. World events show us the tragic outcome of such self-centered focusing. We don't need to enumerate the tragedies happening all over our globe and the feeling of helplessness encountered by each one of us in this environment in which anger, pride, and the need to avenge hurt feelings pushes aside the gentleness and compassion that flow from humility. Humility, instead of making us feel less about ourselves, actually magnifies the joy we have in knowing that we are loved: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my savior." Like Mary, we can rejoice in the truth of who we are.

As we encounter the strain and struggle, the joys and sorrows of our journey to God, let us not be alone on this journey. Let us realize that we are one with one another and with Christ, that we are one with all the earth. As the waters of Rock Creek flow through this park and give life to all the flowers and trees along its banks, so the refreshing waters of humility will bring to flower the joy we can feel in the simple awareness of being alive.

-Edward O'Donnell, O.C.D.