After The Work

Lurking around in a cave evokes many different emotions. Wonder, curiosity, and even awe can rise to the surface of our consciousness. It can be an incredible experience to see the different wonders of the world. Generally people visit caves that are safe, well-lit, and explored. There is safety all around.

Conversely, if you lose your light source while walking about you are plunged into absolute darkness if one is far enough away from the cave entrance. Danger then lurks with almost every step. A trip, a fall could be a few feet or even further into a pit. Getting disoriented in the dark makes getting lost likely. An unexplored cave can provide even more danger, including getting lost, stranded, or even meet an animal you would rather be far from.

The spiritual life can at first feel like wandering about in a dark cave. Gradually a light begins to form and we begin to see the shapes of our personality, morals, and values. Illumination is an old term in both philosophy and theology that indicates an awakening, our eyes opened to a new Reality. It is only through learning, meditation, prayer, and guidance do we get oriented and move towards the entrance.

Self-exploration also can evoke curiosity, awe, wonder, and gratitude. There is something inside that feels “complete” or “right”. We gain peace and conviction. We worry less about ourselves and become more concerned about others. Initially it is a very introspective process, but God calls us to greater things than these.

Eventually leave the cave and find a beautiful world around us. Sometimes we can run towards the light, other times we get comfortable where we are in the dim light, fearing we will be blinded by more. Sometimes there may even be barriers that prevent our move forward, but they are often placed there ourselves. Our choices can continue to make us stumble, or an unexplored aspect of ourselves can keep us from walking freely. Whatever you do, do not stop. There are better days to come.

It takes a leap of faith, sometimes many leaps, to find our way out of the cave. We may not always understand the way forward, but with reflection and guidance we begin leaping forward in faith. Eventually we exit the cave in a great leap of faith out of ourselves. We see the world as God’s world and his Hand is everywhere.

Platonic allegories aside, looking outside of ourselves is an act of courageous love for many of us. We have toiled in our minds for so long it can be difficult to truly and completely let go. Nevertheless, it takes a simple request of the Lord to move us forward: I surrender, thy will, not mine, be done.