Embrace of God, poem by Peter Menkin

Embrace of GodMore.
The beyondcalls; mankind discovers something
Apr 24, 2006uniquelygreater than the mysteries that Intrigue
senses and thoughts.
Radiant Light, painting by Camaldoli Benedictine monkEaster reveals to us this greater than,this renewal of
Father Arthurthe good, exploding with eternal mightthere is love
I cannot say that the inspiration for this poem camegreater everlastinggift unforgettable recognized with
from Father Arthur's wonderful contemplativeprayer.
painting, "Radiant Light." It does help the poem along,More.
so it is here with this posting. The genesis was aWith a knowledge of expanded eternity beyondthe
moving experience of religious examination that hasmeasure of imagination–the gasp of surrender.
led me to believe that the healing quality of aPromise that tells us God
relationship with God is a wonderful, practical thing. IEmbraces the spirit of mankind.
do not mean this to be so much a personal
testimony, but an introduction in poetic form to theImage: Painting by Camaldoli Priest and monk Father
relationship of divine love, as an expression of theArthur, “Radiant Light:”
religious experience and life. I think you as reader willCamaldolese, Benedictine monk Father Arthur Poulin
find a resonance, that is my hope.paints contemplative works, as he describes them.
I have tried to add a substatement of theologicalThese shown here are selected from his many
reflection, and as an aspiring poet who does notpaintings.
want to be too self-absorbed, for contemplation isFather Arthur lives and works at Incarnation
neither self-absorption nor navel gazing, I add thatMonastery, Berkeley,
human love of God in Christ is also an experienceCA USA–study house of Camaldolese monks
that many Church goers share. located near the Graduate Theological Union, and
 University of California’s North Gate.
The heart yearns,wishes for warmth, finds openingtoThis description of his paintings, from I. wolk Gallery
the Lord. A deeper thinglike the blood that coursesin St. Helena, California USA:
through the bodythis divine love sustains life.Father Poulin’s paintings have been acquired
More.extensively by people here inthe US and abroad.
In the secret of the self, within the psyche,we yearnMany of his commissioned works hang in churches
for knowledge with self recognitionof existence,here in California.
Christ does feed us.