Ruth: Chapter 13 - Contemplation
The first thought that came to me as I started this chapter was the idea that we teach each other by what we think/talk about. Matthew asks, "What do you contemplate?" adding that "We are all contemplatives." What we contemplate affects our behavior which in turn effects those around us. "When we have a density (Spirit of God) within us, we will have a Christian effect on our environment. When we don't have this density (Spirit), our environment will affect us." I really want to build this density by striving to be more like Christ and humbly challenging others to do the same. This all must be supported by prayer ... contemplating the Christ we want to reflect. I liked that Matthew pointed out that "living a 'Christ'centered' life ....is the very core of Catholic spirituality." I think as Catholics we have to get more comfortable sharing the 'Christ-centered' life we are trying to live. I don't think we begin to touch the number of people that we should because we hide our lights under baskets and then sit on them. ... ...... Matthew states, "If you direct what happens in your mind, you can direct what happens in your life." Contemplating Christ in our minds, leads to reflecting Christ to others." Awesome! ................ Matthew talks about the noisy world we surround ourselves with that drowns out the voice of God. No wonder the currect generations don't follow the Lord....they can't hear him! They have no silence. ......... Matthew's challenge on p. 183 confirms the inner call I have feel to spend more time in silence in church. This chapter challenges us to spend 10 minutes a day in a quiet church. Our church is almost aways empty with no one praying thus, also, leaving the Blessed Sacrament unadored. Please pray that our parish establishes at least some time for Eucharist Adoration and that we start to accept the challenge to spend quiet time with & before the Lord in His empty/quiet churches. The challenge will soon be in our parish bulletin. Please pray that people respond. .......Lord, help us to recognize and respond to your call to come into your presence, into the silence you call us to, and grant us peace as we place our life and our burdens at your feet. ........... p. 186 talks about how having a sense of mission makes the difference between one being happy or miserable. My mother is currently struggling with a loss of sense of mission. She had been very involved in her parish but now feels unneeded as the leadership draws younger people in and forgets about the gifts of the older generation. ( Please pray for her.) I guess prayer has to be our essential mission and grounding as all our other missions (Christian actions) will change as we journey through life.
- posted by Ruth @ 10:51 PM