January 19: We only Experience God in the Present Moment
‘Only one thing is necessary,’ Jesus said. ‘If you are present, you will eventually and always experience the presence.‘ Richard Rohr
Gregg’s Reflection
We humans are remarkable time travelers. Our minds wander easily—rehashing the past or anticipating the future—but we can only encounter God in the present moment. Learning to be present has meant learning to be more connected to my body, because my body can only be here and now.
Through contemplation, I’ve practiced letting go of thoughts as they arise, just as I would during my sit. That habit has carried into daily life. I don’t get hooked as often by negative loops because I’ve learned the spiritual gesture of surrender—of dropping the thought before it takes over. Presence is not a mental exercise; it’s a whole-being posture of receptivity.
In moments when I’m fully present, I sense that I am held in God’s presence. Life feels less like something to control and more like something to receive. This shift has brought a greater sense of calm and openness to grace—right here, right now.
Scripture
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being.
Hebrews 1:3
Ancient Quotes
As your being increases, your receptivity to higher meaning increases.
Maurice Nicoll, in Cynthia Bourgeault, Eye of the Heart, p. 111
Modern Quotes
The body plays a crucial role in all forms of genuine spiritual work, because bringing awareness back to the body anchors the quality of Presence. While our minds and feelings can wander, our body can only exist here and now.
Russ Hudson, The Wisdom of the Enneagram, p. 51
‘Only one thing is necessary,’ Jesus said. ‘If you are present, you will eventually and always experience the presence.‘ It is so simple, and so hard to teach.
Richard Rohr, Naked Now, p. 59
Journaling Prompts
- How much of your energy is spent in the past or the future?
- What might you notice if you stayed fully present to God right now?
- How could you remind yourself throughout the day to return to the present moment?
- What helps you be present so that you can experience God and notice the flow of grace all around you?
👉 Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 3 reflection: Being vs Doing