Returning to the Heart of Presence

Meister Eckhart's poignant observation, "God is at home, it's we who have gone out for a walk," invites us to reflect on the nature of divine presence and our own spiritual wanderings. In this statement, Eckhart suggests that the essence of God remains ever-present and accessible, while it is we who often stray from this intimate connection. This notion holds profound significance in our contemporary lives, where distractions and external pursuits can lead us away from the stillness of divine presence.

To deepen our understanding, we must consider the implications of this metaphor. The imagery of a walk evokes a sense of movement, exploration, and sometimes, disorientation. It suggests that while we may physically roam through the world, our spiritual essence longs for the homecoming to God. This theme of return resonates deeply within the human experience, reminding us that the journey away from divine presence is often one of our own making, and the path back is paved with awareness and intention.

The image / the metaphor

At its core, Eckhart's quote employs the metaphor of a walk to illustrate the human condition. The act of walking implies a journey, a departure from a familiar place. The choice of the verb "gone out" suggests an intentional movement away from home, highlighting our agency in this spiritual wandering. The phrase "God is at home" evokes a sense of stability and comfort, suggesting that the divine is always present, waiting for our return with open arms.

Diving deeper into this metaphor, we can see that the walk represents not just a physical journey but also an emotional and spiritual one. It encapsulates the distractions and diversions that life presents—our ambitions, fears, and desires that pull us away from the sacred. In this light, the metaphor becomes a call to recognize the transient nature of our wanderings and to cultivate a longing for the stillness and peace that resides in the divine presence.

In the speaker's tradition

Meister Eckhart, a pivotal figure in Christian mysticism, invites us to explore the depths of our relationship with God through concepts such as kenosis, or self-emptying. This idea parallels the notion of returning home; to reconnect with the divine, we must first let go of our attachments and preoccupations. Eckhart's teachings resonate with the essence of bhakti, the devotional love for God, which emphasizes the importance of surrendering oneself to the divine will and recognizing the inherent unity between the self and God.

In his sermons, Eckhart often draws upon the idea of the "birth of the Word" within the soul, suggesting that the divine presence is not external but rather an intrinsic part of our being. This aligns with the concept of sunyata in Buddhist thought, which speaks to the emptiness that allows for the fullness of divine presence to manifest. By understanding these interconnected ideas, we can appreciate the depth of Eckhart's assertion that God is always at home, waiting for us to return to our true selves.

Living the teaching

Consider a modern scenario where this teaching resonates: a busy professional, overwhelmed by the demands of work and life, finds themselves feeling disconnected and restless. In the midst of meetings and deadlines, they may feel as though they have strayed far from their inner peace. By recognizing this state of wandering, they can take intentional steps to return to the present moment—perhaps through meditation, prayer, or simply a walk in nature—reconnecting with the divine presence that has always been there, waiting patiently.

In relationships, this teaching can manifest during moments of conflict or misunderstanding. When partners find themselves arguing or drifting apart, it is often a sign that they have wandered away from the core of their connection. By acknowledging this disconnection and consciously choosing to return to a place of love and understanding, they can rediscover the sacred bond that unites them. This practice of returning to presence fosters deeper intimacy and a more profound appreciation for the divine essence that resides within each other.

A reflection

As we contemplate Eckhart's words, we are invited to ask ourselves: In what ways have I wandered away from the divine presence in my life? This question encourages us to reflect on our daily choices, our distractions, and the moments when we feel disconnected from our true selves. By engaging with this inquiry, we can begin to identify the paths that lead us away from home and cultivate a deeper awareness of the divine that is always waiting for our return.