Encountering the Holy… from a Different Perspective

Pat Dual
Blog by Sr. Pat Dual, OP

I’m a “city girl” raised in the Tidewater area of Virginia surrounded by waterways and on the coast of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.  Looking out over a lake, bay or ocean was a peaceful meditation on the Holy for me.  I definitely encounter the Holy One in the Eucharist, through scripture, music, and people. However, there is just a different kind of encounter with the Holy when I face the immensity of waters stretching beyond the horizon.  Many people may encounter a sense of the Holy through nature walks through beautiful paths in the woods.  For me, an encounter with the Holy was a coastal view of a beautiful sea meeting the sky in a distant horizon…until I met the Rockies.

Recently, I visited Denver, CO for the first time.  The view of the Rocky Mountains was stunning. While we only had time to explore the foothills of the Rockies and to admire the mountains from a distance, it was an experience allowed me to encounter the Holy from a uniquely different perspective. Being surrounded by the majesty of the Rocky Mountains was a “WOW” moment with God.  It was, for me, a new encounter with the Holy. In what ways do you encounter the Holy One?  Have you had a recent “WOW” moment with God?

Have you recently had an opportunity to experience God in a new way or through a new experience, or from a different perspective?  Why not consider joining the Dominican Sisters of Peace to experience a few days of prayer, volunteer service, and theological reflection during our Mission Immersion event on May 18-21, 2017!   Space is limited.  You can find more details here. You can also check out some of my pictures from the foothills of the Rockies here.  Enjoy!

Posted in God Calling?

2 responses to “Encountering the Holy… from a Different Perspective

  1. Thanks, Pat. I remember our trip from Great Bend to Denver and I, too, was happy to view the mountains again. I do remember the wonderful presentation you with June and Kathy gave for us. It was a good weekend all around.

  2. Dear Pat,
    I too meet God in oceans and even lakes if they are big enough. Mountains have also been important in my prayer when I am near enough. Seattle was the perfect spot with both the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges on both the east and west, easily accessible. Now that I am in Great Bend, I find God in our beautiful grounds. They are much less majestic but God is there too. I hope you and I can find God outdoors wherever we are. Thank you for sharing your reflection.

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