Don't hide your light (gifts) under a bushel!

One of the readings in yesterday’s church service was from Mark 10:35-45. In this passage James and John came to Jesus to ask:

"Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, What is it you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory."

When the other disciples heard about this they were understandably angry, so Jesus called all of the disciples together and reminded them:

"You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave for all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

The pastor’s take on this passage was very interesting. He reminded us that the disciples of Jesus were from vastly different backgrounds and temperaments - not a homogenous team. The disciples had very different gifts and would be called on to share those gifts for the good of all. Father Ted reminded us that mankind has a problem which is the need to “be in charge"; to "do it on our own"; and to make demands even when we don’t understand the larger picture. Instead, Father Ted encouraged us to seek wisdom and understanding, saying that a model of shared leadership is one that values diversity, cooperation and wisdom and builds on the gifts of many. He closed his sermon by reminding us:

"We are all servants - in need of grace as well as holders of grace!"

The Examen

I came across a good book The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything - a Spirituality for Real Life by James Martin, S.J. In this book the author describes a type of prayer (or spiritual exercise) called the examen. It is based on five steps: "1. Gratitude: Recall anything from the day for which you are especially grateful, and give thanks. 2. Review: Recall the events of the day, from start to finish, noticing where you felt God's presence, and where you accepted or turned away from any invitations to grow in love. 3. Sorrow: Recall any actions for which you are sorry. 4. Forgiveness: Ask for God's forgiveness. Decide whether you want to reconcile with anyone you have hurt. 5. Grace: Ask God for the grace you need for the next day and an ability to see God's presence more clearly." I have found this type of prayer to be very healing and as the author says, "finding God in your examen makes you more likely to look for him during the day."

I came across this quote today from Elizabeth Barrett Browning and I thought I'd share! "Earth is crammed with heaven. Every common bush afire with God. Only he who sees it takes off his shoes."

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One Body - Let's re-energize

Hi everybody, I know this blog has been dormant for over a year - but I'd like to try again to get this going. Last time, I thought we needed to have a book in common, but I don't think that it is necessary. Let's just share whatever we are reading, experiencing, or contemplating that relates to our personal walk with God. I miss all of you from Hawaii and our Sunday morning discussions. Thankfully I have made many new friends through our church group and community here in Sisters. You ALL are a diverse spirit-filled mix of friends and family, and I would like to capitalize on that synergy. If there are others you would like to include, please let me know their email, and I will be very happy to invite them. I am hoping that you have an interest in responding and "posting" as well as commenting on the blog. "We are all "One Body" and EACH of us is God's gift to the others! I'd love to soak up as much of God's grace as I can get! Love to you all - Judy