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As a runner, running as I do through the seasons of the year, ( doing so for nearly forty years now ), the beauty of creation is all around me, the summer sun, the colours of fall, the whiteness of winter and the messiness of spring, which brings with it a burst of new life and sustains me in those times when I am in danger of being weighed down from the stresses of life.

Creation's distinct character, or as I like to describe it, the distinct spirituality of each season, summer, fall, winter and spring, somehow, in some great way, feeds my hungry and restless soul in times of stress. I pause at such times, ponder the present moment, and go for a run, or a walk, or a bike ride. Such physical activities help me stay in the present moment. Such activities for me are a form of prayer and contemplation.

Many see contemplation as something done best in a monastery, or a church, or in a room, behind a closed doors.

"Nature," as Henri Nouwen describes it "can be a contemplative companion."

I recall, and vividly too, how on one occasion, my first winter here in Canada actually, one night it had snowed considerably. There was enough snow to bring the morning commute to a silent standstill as people dug themselves out from under this great blanket of snow.

At that time, we lived close to the University woodlot, a large forested area where no vehicles were permitted. Usually, on my early morning run, along with my dog Ben, when it snowed, we'd be the first human/dog footprints in the freshly laid carpet of snow. There was always evidence of other company however, as deer tracks and rabbit tracks betrayed their invisible presence.

On this particular occasion, with the snow heavy on the branches of the trees, it seemed as if the trees were bowing down in reverence to their Creator. It was such a beautiful sight and also, it turned out, a mysterious spiritual experience. I recall the silence. The quiet was as deep as any I can recall. I had entered the splendour that is creation's cathedral. Reverence and awe were the only right response.

The mystery of God's presence was all around. The bright sun made the snow sparkle like a million, million diamonds. Everything lay so still that the sound of my feet crushing the snow sounded like thunder. So I stopped, stood still, and tried to take in all of this beauty, this whiteness that seemed to purify a crazy world, if only for the briefest of moments. Not wanting to disturb nature's silence I stood there a long time until the cool crisp morning air brought me back to the reality of living. I was getting cold!

As I reflect on that experience and write these words, my yard is full of acorns. There are hundreds of them and hundreds more to fall to the ground. The squirrels are quite busy.

The acorn is so small compared to the oak tree from which it falls. To think that something so small contains the possibility of something so large, calls one to pause and ponder the present moment .... be it a carpet of snow that makes the trees bow before their Creator, or the little acorn that has the potential of producing the mighty oak tree.

Father John Eudes, expressed what others such as Julian of Norwich already knew, that in any created thing, in the expanse of the great carpet of snow or in a small acorn, something of God can be found in it.

~~ the running rev!

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SOME MEDITATIONS TO CONTEMPLATE UPON

For me The Gospel of John "speaks" to me in the Celtic Sense. This beautiful Gospel calls us to use all of our senses ... and enables us to develop a Celtic Spirituality ... to develop our own spiritual signature.

I smell the perfume that Mary used to anoint our Lord's feet.

I also smell the odour of betrayal as Judas complains.

I taste the bread and wine of the Last Supper,

as long for the taste of barbecued fish.

I feel the touch of the Master's hand as he reaches

out to the sick, the outcast, the untouchables and the poor.

I hear Him speak as he teaches his disciples to trust in Him.

Our Lord's words bring comfort and challenge and change.

This Great Beautiful Gospel according to Saint John helps me "see" Almighty God in the compassionate actions of this humble man known as Jesus of Nazareth.

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