The English word contemplation is based on three components -- a prefix con, a root templa and a suffix -tion. The root word comes from the Latin word templum. In Roman times the templum was a particular segment of the heavens, the place where God dwelled. In Judeo-Christian tradition, the earthly temple was of course, the place where one went to commune with God and experience God’s presence. So, templa is the place where God dwells.
The prefix con means with or together. Derived from the Latin com, it shows up in words like contiguous (touching at a point) and concord (to be together in agreement). Here it means to be together with the God where God resides.
Finally, the suffix -tion means a state of being or an abiding state - e.g. reconciliation is the ongoing work of reconciling, etc. For contemplation, the suffix points to the fact that we all have abiding states that are not being with God. These may be states of anxiety, frustration, cynicism or hopefulness - we all have them. And contemplation offers us an alternative abiding state - to be with God where God resides.
The Ennegram is an ancient pathway of the contemplative tradition. This invitation comes to us from across the ages, through the testimony of the saints who hold out for us the possibility of abiding with God through contemplative practice. What an invitation!
Join Rev. Jamie Butcher for an Enneagram Small Group Opportunity, Tuesdays at 4:00 pm on ZOOM beginning September 17. Email jamie@covpresatl.org