Michel Quoist wrote a book named “Prayers” that I have appreciated for decades (Sheed & Ward Inc., 1963). The author, Abbe Michel Quoist, was a Catholic priest, theologian and writer.
I love the structure of this book He poetically leads us through his core conviction that if we knew how to listen to God all of life would become a prayer. Here is one of his poems. It presents both comfort and challenge. I like to imagine that after a particular sorrowful day, this is what God has to say to me. And to you….
Son, I have heard you.
I am sorry for you.
I have long been watching your closed shutters.
Open them; my light will come in.
I have long been standing at your locked door; open it;
You will find me on the threshold.
I am waiting for you, the others are waiting for you,
but you must open, you must come out.
Why choose to be a prisoner of yourself?
You are free.
It is not I who locked the door,
it is not I who can open it.
…For it is you, from the inside,
who persist in keeping it firmly barred.
(Michel Quoist, p. 114-115 Prayers)
May we all accept the help; enter the challenge. Amen
