Rocks

January 26, 2024

Join us for this series of Daily Reflections on Rocks.

Rocks are hard, solid, soft, and porous. Rocks are pebbles as well as mountains. Rocks contain caves, and some are bridges. Rocks are in the center of the earth, on its surface, on the moon, and in outer space.

Rocks are gravel under our feet, as well as precious stones. Rock formations have been the habitat of humans, and we use rocks to build roads, cathedrals, temples, houses, and skyscrapers. Liquid rocks of volcanic fire have destroyed entire cities and hardened into solid rock again.

Rocks can be heavy burdens and good luck charms. Rocks can be used to grind our grain, and they are obstructions in our bodies.

Of all their descriptions, rocks are most associated with permanence, solidity, and indestructibility. For me, that is why Christ said to Peter, "On this rock, I will build my church."

He (Jesus) said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16: 15-18).

Holy scripture has many references to rocks and mountains. Another outstanding reference is in Matthew 7. Jesus taught that those who hear and practice his words are like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Then he said that those who hear his words and do not practice them are like the foolish man who built his house on sand (Matthew 7:24-26).

The spiritual life teaches us, ironically, that the rock-solid foundations of our lives are actually invisible and intangible. For example, when we use spiritual treatment for a problematic circumstance or relationship, we are not using tangible means. We cannot see our faith. We only believe. Prayer as a method of intervention, assurance, or comfort is invisible. Empathy and compassion cannot be held in our hands. But our intangible spirituality is evidence of our existence's vital, strong, and powerful foundation.

This week, we will reflect on rocks of all kinds and how they play important roles in our journey into consciousness.

Inquiry: What are the rock-solid foundations of your being?

Dear God,

I pray to be in touch with my foundations. So many things blow me in different directions and distract me from my anchors. Yet when I am quiet, I settle into the bedrock of my soul. I have a grateful heart for this ground of being and all the rocks it is made of. Amen

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