Holy Encounters

 by Monk Ryan Rigoli

I have been reminded a number of times this past year about a passage from a Course In Miracles about Holy Encounters. It’s a message that invites us to open up to the mystery of the Heart.

“When you meet anyone, remember it is a holy encounter. As you see him, you will see yourself. As you treat him, you will treat yourself. As you think of him, you will think of yourself. Never forget this, for in him you will find yourself or lose yourself. Whenever two Sons or Daughters of God meet, they are given another chance at salvation. Do not leave anyone without giving salvation to him and receiving it for yourself. For I am always there with you, in remembrance of you.”

As my prayer life deepens, I feel this mystery deepen within me as well. After each encounter with Life, I become more aware of an Innocence beneath the surface of things, whether I am looking at myself, others, or nature itself. How easy it can be to make someone or something the ‘other’ when not in touch with the Innocence of the Heart. Being familiar with this ‘othering’ of the mind within me, I continue to invite myself to spend more moments with Innocence – that place where Love embraces everything.

I see this Innocence while looking at a flower that I’ve passed by a hundred times, and finally slow down enough to take in its fragrance. I feel it with people in my past who I’ve judged, but now, having embraced an unloved part of myself, a space within me opens to gratitude and understanding. They are my fellow brothers and sisters on this journey. I experience it when in physical pain, my body simply inviting me to love itself again and again. This loving kindness breaking apart an ancient fear from its hardened grip, allowing more peace and joy to rush in, even amidst the pain.

Each time I meet reality as it is, I experience this quality of Innocence, and I come in contact with a tangible, heart-opening, life giving experience that is continuously blessed by an infinite Source. There at the core of my experience is a Presence that melts away any guilt, shame, doubt, or fear that sits within this field of Love.

When we see the Innocence behind the exterior, we come in contact with that which is undeniably our own true nature. We can not help but see ourselves in another, or even within nature itself, when we reach deep within our own hearts and see with the eyes of Love. The darkest parts of ourselves can then be integrated into the Light, and we hold open a door for others to do the same. Our experience with Life becomes a Holy Encounter.

As we begin to emerge back into the world again, may we all embrace these holy encounters that come in the most unexpected ways. May we have the courage and strength to Love ourselves in the Presence of another. May the recognition of the Innocence that lies within our own hearts heal ourselves, our ancestors, and the world.

With Love

How to reach Ryan:

Website: https://www.ryanrigoli.com/

Email: ryan@ryanrigoli.com