We think only our minds listen. In truth, our bodies listen; our hearts listen; every part of us listens. What we listen to constructs our life.
- Betty Dee King, Listening for Voices from the Sacred Center

(How does what you listen to construct your life? Spend some time listening with your whole being to the God who loves you here and now.)

2 COR 11:18, 21-30;    PS 34:2-7;    MT 6:19-23

R. From all their distress God rescues the just.

I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.

Glorify the LORD with me,
let us together extol his name.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears. 

Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,
and your faces may not blush with shame.
When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,
and from all his distress he saved him.





Not seeking and storing treasures on earth is a countercultural idea in today's world obsessed with not just buying but hoarding the newest, showiest and best treasures. Our valuable time spent distracted on the material world is time lost in God's eyes. We are distracted by the comfort and pleasure that we find in this world. We are distracted from the needs and concerns of our neighbors because of our own desire to be ever more prepared or ever more comfortable. These treasures may bring fleeting happiness, but never the joy or consolation we seek that only comes from God.

- by Kelly Tadeo Orbik

Selected Quotes from St. John of the Cross on the Journey of the Soul to God by Contemplation

- from Ascent of Mt. Carmel

Bk. 3. Ch. 12. #1. It has not entered the heart of man what God is like.

#4. A person should behave passively and negatively, because then God moves the soul to what transcends its power and knowledge. 

#6. In these apprehensions coming from above (like spiritual feelings), a person should only advert to the love of God they interiorly cause.

#9. It is good for the soul to have no desire to comprehend anything save God alone in hope through faith.

- compiled by James and Tyra Arraj