“We ought not to READ the scriptures, but listen to them, for our Beloved is present and speaks to us through them. (vs. it being like a love letter sent to us from afar).”
Explore This Quote Further
Reading vs. Listening to Scriptures
"We ought not to read the scriptures, but listen to them, for our Beloved is present and speaks to us through them. (vs. it being like a love letter sent to us from afar)." - Basil Pennington
Analysis
Basil Pennington, a prominent figure in the Christian contemplative prayer movement, emphasizes the importance of not just reading the scriptures, but also listening to them as a means of communication with God. By comparing the scriptures to a love letter from a beloved, Pennington underscores the personal and intimate nature of the relationship between individuals and their faith. This quote serves as a reminder to approach scripture with a receptive and attentive attitude, open to the messages and guidance that can be found within its pages.
Finding Presence in Scripture
In today's fast-paced world, it can be easy to skim through texts, including sacred scriptures. However, Basil Pennington encourages us to shift our mindset and approach scripture with a sense of presence and connection in mind. By listening to the words of scripture as if our Beloved is speaking directly to us, we can find a modern relevance in the age-old wisdom and guidance they offer. This perspective encourages a deeper engagement and connection with the text, allowing us to derive more meaning and insight from the scriptures in our daily lives.
Reflection Questions
In considering Basil Pennington's perspective on how we should approach the scriptures as listening to our Beloved speaking to us, rather than just reading a distant love letter, it prompts us to reflect on our personal experience with scripture. Here are a few questions to consider:
How do you typically approach reading the scriptures - as a passive act of reading words on a page, or as an active listening experience where you expect to hear from God?
Have you ever felt a sense of presence or connection with God while engaging with the scriptures? If so, how did that impact your understanding of the passage you were reading?
What changes might you need to make in your approach to reading the scriptures in order to cultivate a deeper sense of listening and presence with God?
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