Episode 26 -- The Practice of the Presence of God -- Spiritual Maxims 4 - Union with God

Are there different ways to be in union with God?

Yes, in chapter four, Br Lawrence lays out three meaning of union with God: habitual, virtual, and actual. Habitual union depends on being in a state of grace. If we are in a state of grace, we are always in union with God! But this union can become more intense when we begin an action in union with God. Even as this action continues, we remain in virtual union with God by virtue of the good beginning. Virtual union does not require our constant awareness of God. Finally there is the perfect actual union that arises as God gives Himself to us in a dark and gentle knowledge of himself. This leaves us with a love for Him that embraces God even as we struggle to understand what He is in Himself. We love Him in this cloud of unknowing.