When I saw this quote on Facebook, the first thought that came to mind was “Contemplatives in Action”, a phrase that embodies the creative tension between a Jesuit’s full embrace of concrete action and their attentiveness to where God may call them next. Prayer has long been considered a powerful and essential practice in various cultures and religions, providing comfort and solace to millions. While prayer undoubtedly holds significance, the true essence of humanity lies in the act of helping others.
Prayer is a deeply personal and spiritual practice that can instill hope, guidance, and strength in individuals during challenging times. It serves as a source of inspiration, encouraging people to seek inner peace and connect with a higher power. Indeed, prayer can be a valuable tool in navigating life’s uncertainties, but it cannot be the sole means of addressing the struggles of others.
While prayers offer emotional support, helping others through tangible actions creates a more profound and meaningful impact. Kindness, empathy, and compassion in action can lift the burden of suffering from individuals in need. Whether it’s extending a helping hand to the homeless, volunteering at a local charity, or lending a listening ear to a friend in distress, helping others cultivates a sense of community and solidarity that transcends words.
Engaging in social causes can definitely be emotionally taxing, leading to burnout and compassion fatigue. And hence “contemplatives” combat these challenges by regularly retreating into introspection, recharging their emotional resilience, and fostering self-care. By maintaining a balance between inner reflection and external involvement, they are better equipped to sustain their commitment to service in the long run.
Contemplation allows us to renew our active lives (work, play, relationships) so that all we do does not become mindless action. Then the cycle repeats. Your activity leads you again into a time of stopping, resting, reflecting, and then returning to activity with greater zeal and purpose. Being a contemplative in action means that your active life feeds your contemplative life and your contemplative life informs your active life. That is what contemplation in action means, and the cycle never ends.
I had written an article previously on a similar topic which ended with a question:
Are you ready to join the CIA? (Contemplatives in Action)
Kenrick Vaz 