Love of all loving

Jesus Christ, Love of all loving, You were always in me, and I did not know it. You were always there and I kept on forgetting You. You were in my heart of hearts and I was looking elsewhere. ~ Brother Roger of Taize

Taize is a remarkable community and what I gleaned of Brother Roger by watching him at a distance was inspiring. He was a humble and gentle soul. His books are incredibly simple, with a recurring theme of Love.

I walked the fields of Taize endlessly when I was not praying in the modest chapel. I fell in love with Jesus all over again both times I was there. The first time I went, I was moved to tears one day and did not really know their source. Slowly I realized that I was deeply loved by the Trinity in ways that I had not known. Every movement of that first visit I was held lovingly. I left renewed.

My second visit was pure gift. My sister had died and I was given a miraculous present of airfare to anywhere that an airline flew. I chose to return to Paris and make my way to Taize, a source of strength and joy. I had not forgotten the peace I had found there, nor the abiding Presence that remained with me. Taize, that little spring time, was such a healing force.

We look elsewhere for answers and come up empty. The desires of my heart are placed there by One who already has those answers and waits for us to simply come. I forget this lesson more times than I understand but when I return to it, there is such serenity. I really need to stop being so forgetful in this regard.

Peace,

Suzanne