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EDWARD MCCORKELL
finite, created universe, there is this infinite circle of God. In contemplative prayer, we're not praying to God, we're not thinking what we should say. We are partners with God in this dance, this circle.
L.M.: There's no external activity on our part.
E.M.: That's right. We are dynamically active, spiritually speaking; but we're not dancing physically.
L.M.: But the breath is part of this.
E.M.: The breath is a physical reality, and it is a symbol of what is taking place. The spirit is invisible, intangible; yer Jesus became flesh. We can understand him because he has become incarnate; we can understand the Father because Jesus gave us the most beautiful portrait of him in the story of the prodigal son.
L.M: A portrait of his compassion.
E.M.: He is compassionate toward the son, he ran to meet him.
L.M.: Some see the person of the Holy Spirit as feminine, as the feminine aspect of the trinity.
E.M.: Yes, it is for me, definitely. The feminine dimension of God is revealed in the Holy Spirit and not in the Father and the Son.
L.M.: Why is that so?
E.M.: Neither the Father or the Son is a feminine figure. The Holy Spirit has a nurturing mission—it nurtures that spiritual life in us, and reveals itself to us. Now I don't say herself. I would like to say herself, but I would probably be reported to the local bishop, or to Rome if I did.
L.M.: The word is out now.
E.M.: So that's it then. Now regarding this prayer, if you can just sit in your chair and enter into this half-hour, into the silence of contemplative prayer.
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