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Faith is not a refuge from reality. It is a demand that we face reality, with all its difficulties, opportunities, and implications. The true subject matter of religion is not our own little souls, but the Eternal God and His whole mysterious purpose, and our solemn responsibility to
Him. - Evelyn Underhill (1875-1941), The School of Charity
(How does your faith enable you to better face reality?) |
Lent 2015 Spiritual Growth Resources |
Eight audio presentations (mp3 format) with handouts on the topics listed below. Private discussion forum option.
- see http://shalomplace.com/inetmin/lent15.html for more information and registration options.
* Encountering Christ, by Philip St. Romain, M.S., D. Min.
* Kataphatic Prayer, Icons, Lectio Divina, by Sr. Louise Hageman OP and Sr. Renee Dreiling OP
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Wounded Human Nature, by Philip St. Romain, M.S., D. Min.
* Contemplative Prayer Methods, by Connie Burkholder, M. Div.
* The Inner Nature of Faith, by Philip St. Romain, M.S., D. Min.
* Journaling Process, by Sr. Renee Dreiling OP
* People of the Trinity, by Philip St. Romain, M.S., D. Min.
* Gifted by the Spirit, by Philip St. Romain, M.S., D. Min. |
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HEB 12:18-19,
21-24; PS 48:2-4, 9-11; MK 6:7-13
R. O God, we ponder your mercy within your temple.
Great is the LORD and wholly to be praised in the city of our God. His holy mountain, fairest of heights, is the joy of all the earth.
Mount Zion, “the recesses of the North,”
the city of the great King. God is with her castles;
renowned is he as a stronghold.
As we had heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of
hosts, In the city of our God; God makes it firm forever.
O God, we ponder your mercy within your temple. As your name, O God, so also your praise reaches to the ends of the earth. Of justice your right hand is full.
USCCB Lectionary
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Why does Jesus tell the apostles to "travel light" with little or no provision? "Poverty of spirit" frees us from greed and preoccupation with our possessions and makes ample room for God's provision.
The Lord wants his disciples to be dependent on him and not on themselves. He wills to work in and through each of us for his glory. Are you ready to use the spiritual authority and power which God wishes you to exercise on his behalf? The Lord entrusts us with his gifts and talents. Are you eager to place yourself at his service, to do whatever he bids you, and to witness his truth and saving power to whomever he sends you?"
Lord Jesus, make me a channel of your healing power and merciful love that others may find abundant life and freedom in you. Free me from all other attachments that I may joyfully pursue the treasure of your heavenly kingdom. May I witness the joy of the Gospel
both in word and deed."
DailyScripture.Net
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The Cloud of Unknowing, by Anonymous How a soul shall dispose it on its own part, for to destroy all witting and feeling of its own being.
This sorrow, if it be truly conceived,
is full of holy desire: and else might never man in this life abide it nor bear it. For were it not that a soul were somewhat fed with a manner of comfort of his right working, else should he not be able to bear the pain that he hath of the witting and feeling of his being. For as oft as he would have a true witting and a feeling of his God in purity of spirit, as it may be here, and sithen feeleth that he may not—for he findeth evermore his witting and his feeling as it were occupied and filled
with a foul stinking lump of himself, the which behoveth always be hated and be despised and forsaken, if he shall be God’s perfect disciple learned of Himself in the mount of perfection—so oft, he goeth nigh mad for sorrow. Insomuch, that he weepeth and waileth, striveth, curseth, and banneth; and shortly to say, him thinketh that he beareth so heavy a burthen of himself that he careth never what betides him, so that God were pleased. And yet in all this sorrow he desireth not to unbe: for that
were devil’s madness and despite unto God. But him listeth right well to be; and he intendeth full heartily thanking to God, for the worthiness and the gift of his being, for all that he desire unceasingly for to lack the witting and the feeling of his being.
- Chapter 44 |
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