No Words

Sitting in a talk by a chaplain on spirituality today I was reminded of the real power of the spiritual. The chaplain had asked a question about what people's spirituality was like and what it meant to them. One of the people said that they didn't have words to describe it. To which the chaplain wisely responded:

When you don't have the words you are in the right ballpark.

How easy it is to lose sight of that essential bit of information. Words, words, words- they get in the way so easily. We have often heard it said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Or James said we should show our faith by our actions. And perhaps the classic from St. Francis:

Preach the Gospel at all time. If necessary, use words.

My guess is I could find lots of words that say the same thing. In the end it is not words that make one spiritual, it is the presence of the spirit and The Spirit. Words will only get in the way.

When I was younger I would look for books that would explain "the spiritual life" to me. I kept looking for a formula, a template, a model, a paradigm. I would try this and try that. I never found "it." Until I stopped looking and just listened. (I know. It's not that simple. Or maybe it is.) I just was. I became. I am because He Is. Makes no sense. Not in a logical, rational way. It is like a Zen Koan:

When you don't have the words you are in the right ballpark.