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“Faith is a gift of spirit that allows the soul to remain attached to its own unfolding. When faith is soulful, it is always planted in the soil of wonder and questioning. It isn’t a defensive and anxious holding on to certain objects
of belief, because doubt, as its shadow, can be brought into a faith that is fully mature.”
- Thomas Moore, Care of Soul
(How have doubts helped to deepen your faith? What doubts do you have at this time
in life? What opportunities for growth do they present?)
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WEBINAR: CHRISTIAN PRAYER July 1, 8, 15, 2015. 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., CDT
Presented by Philip St.
Romain, M.S., D. Min.
Free-will donation.
Click the link below for more info and registration.
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The reason we are not fully at ease in heart and soul is because we seek rest in these things that are so little and have no rest within them, and pay no attention to our God, who is Almighty, All-wise, All-good, and the only real rest.
- Julian of
Norwich
(God as "the only real rest." Take some time today to simply relax in God's loving gaze upon
you.)
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GN 13:2, 5-18; PS 15:2-5; MT 7:6, 12-14
R. He who does justice will live in the presence of the
Lord.
He who walks blamelessly and does justice; who thinks the truth in his
heart and slanders not with his tongue.
Who harms not his fellow man, nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor; By whom the reprobate is despised, while he honors those who fear the LORD.
Who lends not his money at usury and accepts no bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be disturbed.
USCCB Lectionary
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Reflection on the Scriptures |
Today’s readings show Abram being rewarded for accepting the more challenging environment, that is, choosing the right, but more difficult
route. Where do I spend my time and what is the purpose behind my actions? In a world where success is too often judged by the bottom line, I have great respect for those who have taken on new challenges filling their time with responsible service to the greater good using the time available after their children have left home.
Lord, my prayer today focuses on listening to your call, identifying a purpose and discerning a context for time well spent. I pray for a better recognition of Your presence. I pray for a greater openness to the ways that this might lead. Help me to take action guided and strengthened by Your grace.
Lot plodded ahead looking for an easier way while Abraham was directed into the land appointed by the Lord. Jesus made clear the better path was going to be the road less followed. The psalm passage may have some insight into at least one better avenue. I read “Who lends not his
money at usury … shall never be disturbed” as a call for service to the poor.
- by Mike Cherney Creighton Online Ministries
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On Spiritual Direction
- by Philip St. Romain, M.S., D. Min.
Excerpted from Handbook for Spiritual Directees http://shalomplace.com/view/handbook.html Fees for Spiritual Direction
It is typical for Christians to view ministry as something
they have already paid for in the Sunday collection. This holds true for many parish services, but that is the limit.
Spiritual direction is really a professional service; therefore, be prepared to offer compensation to your director —
especially if he or she is not an employee of the parish to which you tithe. Typically, the director will suggest that you make a donation to his or her retreat center or religious community. Some directors are self-employed; in this case, your compensation would be given directly to the individual.
Seldom does a director have a set fee such as psychotherapists do, and you would probably never be refused for nonpayment. Nevertheless, I recommend a minimum donation of $30.00 per session. If this is more than you can afford, give what you can, even if it is a batch of cookies or a handwritten thank you note. You will feel better for giving something in return for this service, and
your director will appreciate it, too.
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