The Practice of the Presence of God: Day 6~The Ways of Br. Lawrence-Part II

The reading unfolds with Brother Lawrence's metaphor of a leafless tree, which symbolizes a critical moment in his spiritual journey. This imagery foreshadows revelations to come in future episodes and captures the essence of finding God in the simplicity of everyday life. He reveals the challenges posed by a wandering mind, and encourages tranquility amidst chaos, asserting that initial struggles with prayer and presence are normal. As Brother Lawrence navigates through these mental disturbances, he teaches the importance of calmness and perseverance in steering one's focus back to God’s presence.

Listeners will appreciate the echo of St. Teresa of Avila’s teaching that “prayer is not to think much, but to love much,” resonating with Brother Lawrence’s assertion that love, not thoughts, forms the crux of spiritual connection. This essential truth aligns with the idea that small, loving actions hold great value in the eyes of God, reinforcing a lesson attributed to Mother Teresa: to accomplish little things with great love.