In the Fall/Winter issue of Conversations the theme that is addressed is ‘Action and Contemplation.’ Let me first quibble a bit over the choice of terms. ‘Action’ is immediately identifiable as a necessary and valuable dimension of human life. In fact, if I were to split hairs, contemplation itself requires a certain form of action. However, ‘contemplation’ can mean very different things to different people, is a somewhat mysterious term, and is viewed with suspicion by many. In other words, 9 times out of 10 ‘action’ would win the popularity contest over ‘contemplation.’ What if ‘prayer’ was substituted for contemplation? The playing field levels out under those verbal conditions. Familiarity, importance, and biblical foundation for prayer and action are relatively equal. To go one step further: my choice of terms would be ‘communion’ and ‘ mission’ based on the Fourth Gospel’s presentation of Jesus as the ‘sent one’ from the heart of the Father. Enough already with the lexical nitpicking!
My responses to this issue’s theme revolve around priority, preparation, and proportion as they relate to the tension between communion with God (contemplation) and mission with God (action).
Priority
Communion with God, in my view and in contrast to Fr. Rohr, has both a logical and chronological priority over mission with God. The repeated phrase used in the Gospel of John, ‘the Father who sent me,’ establishes this relational, communal priority. In the incarnation the Son is sent from the glory of essential union and communion with the Father and the Spirit, and empties himself into the humiliation of becoming human. ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only son’ is a clear statement that God was giving up something precious in his communion with the Son. Jesus was sent from the heart of the Father (Jn 1:18). Communion was the reality out of which God’s mission of love emerged. In the same way Jesus was with the first disciples in relationship and communion before he sent them out “as the Father sent me.’
Preparation
Communion, the life of contemplation and prayer, then becomes the actual preparation for action and mission. This is evident in the life story of the historical Jesus who lived in humble, nameless obscurity for some thirty years before the inauguration of his mission. Presumably during that time he was ‘about [his] Father’s business’ through an ordinary life of communion with God through work, familial relationships, and torah observance. As the writer of Hebrews states, ‘he learned obedience through the things he suffered’–preparation.
Proportion
One need only go to the Mary/Martha story in Luke 10 to get Jesus’ perspective on this tension. Though it is now fashionable to normalize Martha’s action in the kitchen and cast aspersions on Mary’s contemplation at the feet of Jesus, the words of Jesus are uncontestable, ‘one thing is necessary’ and ‘Mary has chosen the good portion.’ Martha, according to the gospel writer was ‘distracted in her serving’ and according to Jesus was ‘anxious and troubled by many things.’ I am nearly certain that the strength of my conviction around this theme is due to the fact that for too many years I was a distracted, worried, and troubled Martha. Was much accomplished that looked significant and successful? Absolutely. Was most of it wood, hay, and straw? More than likely. It was only when I returned to the feet of Jesus in love and adoration that action became fruit, for it is absolutely true that apart from Jesus I can do nothing. I would suggest you join me in memorizing and meditating on John 15 in order to see and embrace the proper proportions between abiding and bearing fruit.
For a more thorough treatment of these ideas see my book, The One True Thing and my Denver Seminary blog: http://www.denverseminary.edu/ancient-paths-for-todays-pilgrim/
 Howard Baker joined the faculty of Denver Seminary in 2006 as instructor in Christian formation. He has been an adjunct faculty member since 1995. Together with Dr. Bruce Demarest in 1999, he began the Seminary’s certificate program in evangelical spiritual guidance. In addition, he serves with the Spiritual Formation Alliance, offers spiritual direction, leads retreats, and is on the board of Young Life Africa. He has authored Soul Keeping and The One True Thing, contributed to The Transformation of a Man’s Heart, Giving Ourselves to Prayer, and The Renovaré Spiritual Formation Bible, and was consulting editor for Between Heaven and Earth: Prayers and Reflections that Celebrate an Intimate God. He has written articles for Christianity, Discipleship Journal, and Kindred Spirit.
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