Savio Rodrigues SJ

In contemplation too we pay attention to the remote and immediate preparations, before we actually commence the hour of contemplation.

Contemplation involves imaginatively entering into the incident we are considering — being present at the event, seeing it happen as if we were ourselves actually participating in the event.

It is like the experience of watching a movie. Why do we weep or moan at a movie? Surely we know it is just a film? Why cry then? It is because we have become imaginatively and emotionally involved in the story. We in some way re-live it ourselves. We identify ourselves with the actors and make their attitudes and feelings our own. We know how they feel because we feel and experience with them. They become a part of our lives.

We bring our human powers of imagination to our prayer and seek to re-live the life of Jesus.

Let us go back to the text of John 4.

Perhaps we are sitting beside Jesus as the woman arrives along the road. We notice His face. It is weary.

We see what the woman looks like. Tired having to come to the well daily in the heat of the sun.

We feel the heat of the noonday sun.

We notice the shape of the stones of which the well is built.

Think about the tradition, of it being built by Jacob.

Listen to Jesus speaking to the woman.

She replies to Him even though she is surprised.

Listen to their tones of voice and how the dialogue unfolds.

Jesus tells her about the living water.

Her desire to have it.

Do I long for the living water? Who are my five husbands? What would I feel if someone told me all about my self?

End with a colloquy, speaking and thanking Jesus for his being with you.

The Prayer Method on this page has been provided with permission from the book Pray: How? by Savio Rodrigues SJ