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Catalyst
Spirituality
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Catalyst
Spirituality offers material for prayerful reflection. It will be
thematic in that it will support us in growing to know that we are loved,
for until that is known we cannot fully follow the gospel injunction to love one
another.
Catalyst
for Renewal encourages us to express our love for one another in a particular
way - through conversation about what touches us deeply and brings that to life.
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2009
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July/August
I was struck recently by both these Readings, and then again- how well
they fit together -echoing the message of using our gifts for unity
Ephesians Chapter 4: 1-7
I therefore, a prisoner in the
Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation in which you are
called:
With
all humility and mildness, with patience, supporting one another in
charity.
Careful to keep the unity of
the Spirit in the bond of peace.
One body and one Spirit: as
you are called in one hope of your calling.
One Lord, one faith, one
baptism.
One
God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in us all.
But to every one of us is
given grace, according to the measure of the giving of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Now
there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and
there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are
varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in
everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the
common good.
For to one is given through
the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and
For to one is given through
the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and
to another faith by the same
Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit,
to another mighty deeds, to
another insight,
to another mighty deeds, to
another insight,
to another the interpretation
of tongues.
ll these are empowered by one and the same Spirit,
who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
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June
Wisdom
7:24-8:1
For
wisdom is more mobile than any motion;
because
of her pureness she pervades and penetrates all things.
For
she is a breath of the power of God,
and
a pure emanation of the glory of the almighty;
therefore
nothing defiled gains entrance into her.
For
she is a reflection of eternal light,
a
spotless mirror of the working of God,
and
an image of his goodness.
Although
she is but one, she can do all things,
and
while remaining in herself, she renews all things,
in
every generation she passes into holy souls
and
makes them friends of God, and prophets;
for
God loves nothing so much as the person who lives with wisdom.
She
is more beautiful than the sun,
and
excels every constellation of the stars.
Compared
with the light she is found to be superior,
for
it is succeeded by the night,
but
against wisdom evil does not prevail.
She
reaches mightily from one end of the earth to the other,
and
she orders all things well.
Wisdom is radiant and unfading,
She
is easily discerned by those who love Her,
She
is found by those who seek Her.
She
hastens to make Herself known to those who desire Her.
One who rises early to seek Her will have no difficulty,
She
will be found sitting at the gate.
To
fix one’s thoughts on Her is perfect understanding,
and one who is vigilant on Her account will soon be free from care,
She
goes about seeking those worthy of Her,
She
graciously appears to them in their paths,
She
meets them in every thought.
Wisdom’s Teaching
(each article from the psalm may be spoken by a
different voice)
May we learn both what
is secret and what is manifest,
for Wisdom, the fashioner of all things, teaches us:
May we know the
structure of the world and the activity of the elements;
May we know the
beginning and end and middle of times,
May we know The
alternations of the solstices and the changes of the seasons,
May we know the cycles
of the year and the constellations of the stars,
May we know the natures
of animals and the tempers of wild animals,
May we know the powers
of Spirits and the thoughts of human beings,
May we know the
varieties of plants and the virtues of roots.
Please add your own prayer for Wisdom
May we learn.....
May we know...
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May
Matthew
10: 38-40
38and
anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39Whoever
finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will
find it.
Matthew
16:24-26 24Then
Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he
must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25For
whoever wants to save his life[a]
will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. 26What
good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his
soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
Obviously
this message is important - since it is repeated, in close proximity, in
this Gospel.
All
of us who’ve read and tried to open our hearts to the call of Jesus in
this gospel can sense the
truth in those words.
How
is it to be done?
How
are we going to lose our life
-
to
lay down our life
So
that we can follow Jesus- not just at the periphery but at the centre-
at the depth of our own being?
......
As
we also know from the Gospels, He often withdrew from his disciples to
be alone with His Father.
That
is exactly the invitation- that we have to leave the surface
-to
leave the periphery
and
at the centre
-to
be one with Jesus
-to
be with Him in the Father.
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HOLY
WEEK
...the focus in these excerpts is on our responsibility to
learn and use the Easter narrative:… [references can be used as links
to further reading]
By stillness in the spirit we move in
the
ocean
of
God
.
If we have the courage to push off from the shore we cannot fail to find
(this) direction and energy.
John Main, OSB in Monastery Without Walls,
Laurence Freeman, ed.
..”Story and
silence work together to awaken our understanding. Each time we meditate
we enter into the dying and rising
of Christ. …These coming days approaching Easter are specially
graced moments - sacred time - that bring richer meaning to the great narrative
of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus and these aspects of
our own lives.
The narrative,
the story we relive and repeat during these days, brings us to deeper
knowledge - the very word 'narrative'
comes from a root meaning 'knowledge'.
Ignorance is not to know the story
that throws light on the mystery of our own lives.
Laurence Freeman.
Easter narrative: Construing
the Jesus event.
“If
Jesus is Christ, we learn about Christ by learning about Jesus. Because
historical inquiry is an indispensable aspect of faith, it is a
theological duty….
Our Christian tradition offers various means of access to Jesus as
Christ: the sacraments. the liturgical community, practices of care and
healing. ….The tradition, …., is still for us both the cross where
Jesus is nailed down tight and the tomb that lets him loose…..
The
greater that desire grows, the harder it becomes ….to evade [the story].
And Easter is for yearning.”
National
Catholic Reporter , April
14, 1995 by Marianne
Sawicki author
of Seeing the Lord: Resurrection and
Early Christian Practices, 1995, Fortress Press. Copyright 1995 NCR; Copyright 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning
Crucifixion of Jesus Christ - Story Summary:
The
Jewish high priests and elders of the Sanhedrin accused Jesus of blasphemy,
arriving at the decision to put him to death. But
first they needed
Rome
to approve of their death sentence, so Jesus was taken to Pilate, the
Roman governor in
Judea
. Although Pilate found him innocent, unable to find or even contrive a
reason to condemn Jesus, he feared the crowds and let them decide Jesus'
fate. Stirred by the Jewish chief priests, the crowds declared,
"Crucify him!"
As was common, Jesus was publicly scourged, or
beaten, with a leather-thonged whip before his crucifixion.
Tiny pieces of iron and bone chips were tied to the ends of each leather
thong, causing deep cuts and painful bruising. He was mocked, struck in
the head with a staff and spit on. A prickly crown
of thorns was placed on his head and he was stripped naked. Too
weak to carry his cross, Simon of Cyrene was forced to carry it for him.
He was led to Golgotha
where he would be crucified. As was the custom, before they nailed him to
the cross, a mixture of vinegar, gall and myrrh was offered. This drink
was said to alleviate some of the suffering, but Jesus refused to drink
it. Stake-like nails were driven through his wrists and ankles, fastening
him to the cross where he was crucified between two convicted criminals.
The inscription above his head tauntingly read,
"The King of the Jews." On the cross Jesus hung for his final
agonizing breaths, a period that lasted about six
hours. During that time, soldiers cast lots for Jesus'
clothing, while people passed by shouting insults and scoffing. From the
cross, Jesus
spoke to his mother Mary and the disciple John. He also cried
out to his father, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?"
At that point, darkness covered the land. A little
later, as Jesus gave up his spirit, an earthquake shook the ground,
ripping the
Temple
veil in two from top to bottom. Matthew's gospel records, "The earth
shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many
holy people who had died were raised to life."
It was typical at crucifixions for Roman soldiers to
show mercy by breaking the criminal's legs, thus causing death to come
more quickly. But this night only the thieves had their legs broken, for
when the soldiers came to Jesus, they found him already dead. Instead,
they pierced his side. Before sunset, Jesus was taken down by Joseph of
Arimathea and laid in a tomb according to Jewish tradition.
Matthew 27:50-53
And when Jesus had cried out
again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain
of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the
rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who
had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus'
resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people
28:1-10
After the Sabbath, at dawn
on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to
look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord
came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and
sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white
as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like
dead men
The
angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are
looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just
as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell
his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into
Galilee
. There you will see him.' Now I
have told you."
So the women hurried away
from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.
Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him,
clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not
be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to
Galilee
; there they will see me." (NIV)
So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid
yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met
them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet
and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and
tell my brothers to go to
Galilee
; there they will see me." (NIV)
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Lenten reflection re-assures us that we are
loved…….
"Let
us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith...let
us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is
faithful".
One
night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with
the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. He noticed two sets
of footprints in the sand. When the last scene of his life flashed before
him he noticed that many times there was only one set of footprints. He
also noticed that it was at the very lowest times in his life. He
questioned the LORD about it. "LORD, you said that once I decided to
follow you you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed there is
only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most
you would leave me." The LORD replied, "My precious child, I
love you and would never leave you. During your times of trial and
suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I
carried you.
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Ignatian
Sprituality and Lent
Take,
Lord, receive
all my liberty,
my memory, understanding,
my entire will-
all that I have and possess;
you have given to me,
to you, Lord, I return it.
all is yours now;
do with it what you will.
Give me only your love and your grace;
that is enough for me
In the tradition of St. Ignatius let’s take a moment to pause
and reflect on our progress in Lent through pondering the following
questions:
- What
has inspired you?
- What
is the best thing that someone else has done for you?
- What
is the best thing that you have done for someone else ?
- How
can you improve tomorrow?
~
Show me your ways, O LORD, teach
me your paths;
guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long. [Psalm 25:4-5]
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Lent Week 2
The
aim of Lenten discipline is to allow the experience of knowing that we
are loved to arise and envelop us.
~At
any time of the day or night we can call on Jesus~
What a wonderful blessing:
No phone, no e-mails, just a whisper…
You are invited to make a 'Sacred Space' in
your day to
spend ten minutes, praying here and now, as you sit
at your computer, with these prayers- and wherever they take you- for
this week in Lent.
Ø
Light a candle
Ø
Fold your hands in prayer
Ø
Have an icon in front of you- spend some moments
‘gazing’
Grant, O Lord, that I may be free
from greed and selfishness.
It is so easy to get caught up
with the trappings of wealth in this life.
Remind me that the best
things in life are free…Love, laughter, caring and sharing.
Dear Lord help me to remember that You gave me life.
Thank you for the gift of life. Teach me to slow down, to be still and
enjoy the pleasures created for me…to be aware of the beauty that
surrounds me…the marvel of mountains, the calmness of lakes, the
fragility of a flower petal…. I need to remember that all these things
come from you.
v
Luke 6:36-38
Jesus said to the
disciples, "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not
judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be
condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given
to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will
be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get
back." What are you saying to me, Lord?
Some thoughts on this scripture
Ø
We are enhanced by our qualities of mercy, forgiveness and
tolerance. Prayer is love which burns away some of the bitterness that is
part of every life. It may happen when we ask for this grace.
Ø
How has God's Word moved me? Has it consoled me or moved me
to act in a new way?
Ø
Share your feelings in more prayer.
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Lent Week 1
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This liturgical season is all about asking for
directions-going into the dryness so that we can show up transformed at
the spring of new life.
There are many different ways to pray during this time of preparation.
It's about using everything in your life to better connect with God.
Here are some of the
paths into the
desert
of
Lent
:
Ø
Fold your hands when you pray. Your
body tells God that you’re talking to Him, even if your mind is off
wandering elsewhere.
Ø
Gratitude is the highest form of
prayer. Try to pay special attention to all the small, wonderful things
in your life
Ø
Jesus calls himself the "light of
the world" (John
8:12
) Paul instructs the Ephesians
to "walk as children of Light" (Ephesians 5:8) Christians
light the Paschal Candle on Easter as a symbol of the risen Christ.
Light a candle when you pray.
Ø
"Singing is praying twice."
Sing your song to the Lord.
Ø
An easy way to can keep track of
prayers is to say a rosary.
Ø
The importance of art to spirituality
is what it means to "take a long, loving look at the real."
The late theologian Henri Nouwen explained his love of icons:
"Gazing is probably the best word to touch the core of Eastern
spirituality. The Byzantine fathers focus on gazing. . . . An icon is
like a window looking out upon eternity. Behind its two dimensional
surface lies the
garden
of
God
, which is
beyond dimension or size."
Ø
Using the mantra "Jesus, be with
me" [or any mantra] becomes part of your awareness and attention to
God in your life.
Ø
Create a special devotion to one of
the Saints with whom you identify.
Excerpts taken
from:Therese J. Borchard is the author in spirituality.
Excerpted from Sacred Space for Lent 2009 by
the Jesuit Communication
Centre
,
Ireland
.
Excerpts taken
from:Therese J. Borchard is the author in spirituality.
Excerpted from Sacred Space for Lent 2009 by
the Jesuit Communication
Centre
,
Ireland
.
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February 14th
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Sit……………..see
the sun set.
Blessings abound…………….
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February
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Why
We Speak Blessings
First,
our blessing conveys that we acknowledge God is the loving, sovereign,
omniscient Creator. "The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness
thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein" (Ps 24:1, KJV).
Secondly,
our blessing invites God's involvement. As we speak blessings, we are
prayerfully inviting His intervention in our lives. We are petitioning
the Lord to insert His power and authority into a situation.
Third,
our blessing encourages and exhorts the one we bless. Through the
blessing, the person may be informed or reminded that God's righteous,
omnipotent hand is ready to touch them in their current condition. This
truth gives real hope and encouragement.
Finally,
our blessing releases the blessing of God. We are acting as His
ambassadors when we use His language to bless. As we speak blessings to
others, we are not merely sharing human thoughts; we are tangibly
impacting their lives with divine authority.
~
By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted.
Proverbs 11:11a (NASB) ~
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January
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Reminding
us of the many ways we touch each other deeply~
FEELING, SYMPATHY, TOUCHED
His heart was
moved, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the wood are moved
with the wind.
OT: Isaiah, vii,
2
FEELING,
HEARTWARMING, SYMPATHY
There is a
chord in every heart that has a sigh in it if touched aright.
Ouida
The truth is
that the beginning of anything and its end are alike touching.
Yoshida Kenko,
Life Frail and Fleeting, The Harvest of Leisure, 1330-1335
"One
conclusion was forced upon my mind at that time, and my impression of
its truth has ever since remained unshaken. It is that our normal waking
consciousness, rational consciousness as we call it, is but one special
type of consciousness, whilst all about it parted by the flimsiest of
screens, there lie potential forms of consciousness entirely different.
We may go through life without suspecting their existence; but apply the
requisite stimuli and at a touch they are there in all their
completeness, definite types of mentality which probably somewhere have
their field of application. No account of the universe in its totality
can be final, which leaves other forms of consciousness quite
disregarded. How to regard them is the question - for they are so
discontinuous with ordinary consciousness. Yet they may determine
attitudes though they cannot furnish formulas and open a region though
they fail to give a map. At any rate they forbid a premature closing of
our accounts of reality."
Wm James Varieties
of Religious Experience
HEART,
QUALITY, EXCELLENCE
The best and
most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen, nor touched... but
are felt in the heart.
Helen Keller
I touch the
future. I teach.
Christa McAuliffe
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To view Catalyst Spirituality
reflections for 2008 click here |
