The Fire of the Holy Spirit
|
|
- Geoffrey Cunningham
- 6 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 The Fire of the Holy Spirit I want to begin by asking what could be called a Post-Pentecost question : How goes your fire? Or, to put it another way, How goes your passion? The great Feast of Pentecost presents us with many themes, messages and images but the one word and image that outshines all the others is FIRE! It was the fire that scorched, seared, purified, changed, strengthened, encouraged, empassioned and missioned the early disciples it was the fire or as we might say these days - the fire in the belly that gave birth to the Church that day. So, I ask again, how goes your fire the day after another Pentecost? How goes mine? Pause Abba Lot went to see Abba Joseph and said to him, Abba, as far as I can I say my little office, I fast a little, I pray and mediate, I live in peace and as far as I can, purify my thoughts. What else can I do? Then the old man stood up and stretched his hands towards heaven. His fingers became like ten lamps of fire and he said to him, if you will, you can become all flame. The Sayings of the Desert Fathers. Benedicta Ward. We re all very familiar with this little story from the Desert Fathers and I know that some of us love it and return to it often so in the context of my questions this morning, let s unpack it a little to help us put a monastic slant on Pentecost. Abba Lot is not incorrect in what he is doing, nor is he despondent or in error. He, presumably, truly does pray. He truly does fast. He truly does meditate and pray the Office he has been given and he truly does try to purify his thoughts and live in peace. He is not presented as someone who is mediocre, but someone who is accurately and honestly giving an account of the spiritual life as he is keeping it, as he says as far as I can. Basically, Abbot Lot is living to the best of his ability and, as far as he can, he is living the values of the monastic life. But, the very fact that he approaches Abba Joseph and asks the question, What else can I do? shows that he feels he is missing out on something...that perhaps there could be
2 something more something better. Using our fire metaphor, we could say perhaps that Abba Lot s experience of life was an ember experience! The embers were alive and well they were glowing, warming.doing everything that embers are meant to do..but they were also waiting! Embers are good and necessary but, as Abba Lot experienced, they re destined for something more! And it is precisely to this which Abba Joseph responds: Then the old man stood up and stretched his hands towards heaven. His fingers became like ten lamps of fire and he said to him, if you will, you can become all flame. The ultimate response to Abba Lot s query is not to suggest other ways in which the monastic life can be lived, other practices, other means, other values. Abba Joseph simply calls Abba Lot to go further - to stir up the embers, to fan the flames, to reach out his hands towards Heaven and believe that he can be transfigured by the fire of God. So, in the context of Pentecost and this monastic story, again I ask you and I ask myself: How goes the fire of your monastic life? How goes your passion for the monastic life? What state are your embers in? Are they stoked and stirred up and flaming out with sparks of enthusiasm and grace.or are they perhaps pretty healthy, glowing nicely but waiting for something more, some kindling, some stirring..or are they barely there now and then showing an occasional glow but getting blacker and colder by the day..or have they died altogether??? How goes it? Let s take a minute to reflect.jot a few things down if you wish.note other questions which might come to mind The words that spoke strongly to me from the Desert Father s story were as far as I can. As far as I can seems to be talking about the embers of our lives not the essence, not the challenge, not the passion or the walking the extra mile. The mystics talk about God as the living flame within each one of us is it there within us now as an ember or a raging flame? What would it mean for you, for me, for us as a community to become all flame? Before R & R we began looking at the values and practices in our life. Especially we looked at the areas where we tend to fail in the hope that we would resolve to renew those practices and values to purify them and turn them into flame. This is a good time now, after R & R, for us to continue our exploration of the values and practices and make a firm resolution to
3 set them aflame in our lives and to live them faithfully together in community. With Abba Lot perhaps we could say as far as I can I live the values and practices but where is the fire? The embers are not enough. They are always waiting for more. The feast of Pentecost reminds us of the power of more, and challenges us to stir, to shake, to wake to do whatever is necessary to open ourselves to the full force of the Spirit of God who will fan the flames of our monastic life and set us on fire! If in true humility, we follow Christ, we do not simply follow a collection of practices, but instead, use them to move us towards a real transfiguration, a real change into a holiness of life. If we cannot put into effect the extremes of the desert elders practices, we can at least try to catch their motivating spirit and try to become intoxicated with God. If you would, you could become all flame. If we would, we too could attain to this transfiguration in our lives. What is required of us is precisely what is proclaimed by Abba Joseph - that turning of the will, that desire to follow Christ, to choose the better lot that is set before us, and in this life, this freely lived obedience to God, the transformation of our person, the transformation of our weaknesses and our sinfulness, the transformation of all the cosmos will become all flame. We will all be gathered up into that flame that sharpens and enlivens our vision and best of all, fires us up to proclaim it through our words and actions. Fire, flames, stirring up, sending out the stories of Pentecost and the Desert Fathers are, in a sense, intoxicating, inspiring.but the nitty gritty of it all brings us back to the question: how do we do it how do I do it? The prelude to Pentecost gives us the clue to the answer the disciples and Mary were gathered together in prayer. it s as simple and as difficult as that. prayer spending time. connecting opening... waiting listening speaking learning transforming Last week, I was reading Michael Casey s latest article in Tjurunga entitled: The Word became Text. Just the title sparked a flame within
4 me The Word became Text and I was drawn to open the pages and read on. I found it very challenging especially where he suggested the following: Add up the hours spent each week with radio, television, internet, social networking. Then compare these with the hours spent weekly in lectio divina. It should not be too difficult to calculate which of these sources of formation has the greater influence on our thought and, eventually, on the way we conduct ourselves.. To make ourselves strangers to the world by our actions (RB4:20), we need to have a distinctive world-view based on the Gospel. We cannot develop a world-view based on the Gospel unless we allow the text of the Gospel to enter our present situation and interact with it. This means regularly making time for lectio divina. What is going to fan our embers into a flame is the amount of time spent in lectio divina with the Gospels our contact with the mind and heart of Jesus. If we are not in touch, every day, with Jesus we are not going to be set aflame we may retain some embers but they need to be fanned into a flame by the Word who became Text! If we spend more time with lectio divina than with the activities Michael mentions or indeed others which we could add and know that we spend way too much time on - then we are on the right track and will live within the fire of God s purifying love and will then be able to share that flame with others especially those with whom we live. The goal of the desert elders was to experience God s presence in each moment and activity through a disciplined pattern of prayer, lectio divina, and labour. This awareness released them from a dependence on the limited and narrow desires of the ego and widened their horizons to see the sacred dimension of labour, food, relationships, time, prayer and their neighbours to go beyond their comfort zones and become all flame. This is also our goal in embracing the values and practices of our life here and now in The desert elders lived a long time ago but the fire of their teachings is still relevant to us now. And, as yesterday s feast reminds us, the power and fire of the Holy Spirit is still relevant and available to us now. So, through the prayers of all our sisters who have gone before us in the monastic life, with Abba Lot and Abba Joseph, and all the saints, let us pray that we will claim and reclaim our passion and desire for God and become all flame. Amen.
5 Let us commit ourselves once again to the full living of our monastic life: I recommit myself to the declarations that we have written and the practices and values of our monastic life as lived here in our monastery of Jamberoo. I renew my vow of stability - to live in this community all my life and above all to love each sister: I renew my vow of conversion of life - to daily be converted to the values and teachings of the gospel and the monastic life: I renew my vow of obedience: to live in a continual spirit of listening to the voice of God in the abbess my sisters the church the daily events if my life: I renew my commitment to live the Rule of St Benedict with good zeal and a listening heart I recommit myself to the fuller living of our Constitutions and promise to read and become familiar with what I have vowed. Above all I commit myself to the Gospel precept to love one another. I commit myself to every day performing an act of kindness and consideration towards one of my sisters. I commit myself to the daily singing of the Liturgy of the Hours and will try to keep my mind and voice in harmony. I commit myself to the daily practice of lectio divina that I may more fully know and live the gospel of Jesus.
6 I commit myself to full participation in the Celebration of Word and Eucharist that I may become what I receive. I commit myself to give myself totally to supporting and upholding the community through the work to which I have been appointed. I will honour and respect the times and places of silence out of consideration for others and the voice of the Lord trying to break through my noise and speak to my heart. I will strive to show mercy to all, and especially to those with whom I live and the poor and needy, during this coming Jubilee Year. I will see Christ in everyone. I will prefer nothing whatever to the love of Christ and the love of others. And may Christ Jesus bring us all together to life everlasting. AMEN. During the coming week: Spend some time in lectio using - the text from Acts recounting the story of Pentecost - the story from the Desert Fathers, Become all Flame Reflect again on the questions: How goes my fire? My passion? Am I living as far as I can or do I experience a longing for something more? Can I be stretched/ignited some more? Name the embers in my life - the areas where I need some stirring up? How do I do that? What are the things I spend most time on listening to the radio watching dvds working lying on the bed talking using the internet reading books or articles wandering around looking for company how does this time compare to my time spent in lectio?
7 Am I prepared to give up secondary activities in order to give more time to lectio divina of the Gospels? How will we allow the Spirit to scorch us, not only with the Word we need to speak, but also the Word we need to hear? How will we open ourselves to the Spirit that comes to set us ablaze with vision? Read through the commitments we made and perhaps take one each day to focus on.
SOLEMN PROFESSION OF BR. IGNACIO GONZÁLEZ May 24, community and for all the members of the González family, many of whom have traveled here
SOLEMN PROFESSION OF BR. IGNACIO GONZÁLEZ May 24, 2014 Today is unquestionably a very happy one for all of us, especially for our monastic community and for all the members of the González family, many
More informationThe Rule of the Community of Solitude
The Rule of the Community of Solitude Article I - Of Identity (1) We are to be known formally as the Community of Solitude, Camaldolese", abbreviated as CoS Cam. (2) In adopting this identity, we recognize
More informationGod s Delightful Voice: A Benedictine Spirituality On-line Retreat
God s Delightful Voice: A Benedictine Spirituality On-line Retreat Part One: Monasticism: It s Not Just For Monks Any More - Monasticism: An Ancient Way For Modern Times Part Two: Our Guide for the Journey:
More informationSERMON: OPEN THE EYES OF MY (BURNING) HEART 04/30/2017
Open the Eyes of My (Burning) Heart The Rev. Christi O. Brown FPC Morningsong Service April 30, 2017 Luke 24:13-35 13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven
More informationThe Universal Monk: The Way of the New Monastics
The Universal Monk: The Way of the New Monastics John Michael Talbot Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2011 231 pages, $19.95, Paper. Reviewer: Douglas S. Hardy Professor of Spiritual Formation Director
More informationCommunity is an essential part of cenobitic monastic life because without a community, obviously, there is no coenobium no monastery!
CONFERENCE 3 Community is an essential part of cenobitic monastic life because without a community, obviously, there is no coenobium no monastery! But without the other two legs, a tripod doesn t stand
More informationDiscipline Your Eyes Psalm 119:1-16
Disciplined Series Discipline Your Eyes Psalm 119:1-16 Delivered at DHBC on by Wesley Parker Introduction In his book Spiritual disciplines for the Christian life which is one of the books in our recommended
More informationMy hope is that this book would also guide you and whoever wants to join you in a journey of discovery by addition, subtraction and introspection.
Welcome to a Journey of Discovery Lent is the time in the Christian year that leads us to Easter and our celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. For most of my Christian life, I was aware of Lent but
More information8 th GRADE Alive in Christ
8 th GRADE Alive in Christ Begin 8 th grade with the Opening Lesson - an Introduction to the year The church year feasts and seasons can be found in the beginning of the text. These can be done throughout
More informationGuest Reader(s) P or 2 readers Jewish or non-jewish
P. 26 1 or 2 readers Jewish or non-jewish When it is dark When it is dark we yearn for light. Sometimes the light is too much for us and we seek a cool, comforting darkness. All comes from the One-Source,
More informationClass #5 Life of Prayer Overview Goals: Resources. Glossary (Words to know)
Class #5 Life of Prayer Overview Prayer, personal and communal, is a relationship with the divine Other, who is also the foundation of the Christian life. There are many forms of prayer, such as prayers
More informationWeek Twelve: Developing Your Friendship with God Day One: I Must Choose to Be Honest With God
Day One: I Must Choose to Be Honest With God Read: Exodus 33:12-17 (Freedom in Christ Bible p. 99) Read: Purpose-Driven Life pp. 92-top of 94 Reflect: How honest are your prayers to God? Is it OK to get
More informationMental health and our spiritual tradition
Mental health and our spiritual tradition October is Mental Health Month. Mental health, as we know, can be complex. However, putting aside those expressions of mental health issues which require counselling
More informationBETH SHIR SHALOM ENGLISH READINGS FOR SHABBAT AFTERNOON
Page 14 Light helps us appreciate the darkness and darkness helps us appreciate light. Sometimes the light is too much for us and we seek a cool, comforting darkness. And sometimes, when it is dark, we
More informationThey find their identity within the Lay Cistercian Identity document adopted at the International Lay Cistercian Encounter 2008.
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LAY CISTERCIAN COMMUNITIES House Report 2014 1) Name of lay community: Associates of Southern Star Abbey 2) Contact person: (Canon) Peter Stuart 3) Date group was established:
More informationHome-Learning Guide. FINDING GOD for Junior High
FINDING GOD for Junior High Home-Learning Guide The Finding God for Junior High Home-Learning Guide provides you with an opportunity to work with your juniorhigh child to grow together in faith. Whether
More informationWelcome. Moving Into Retreat. Self-Guided Tour. Tips/Insights from Other Retreatants. Practices that Foster Reflection
Retreat Handbook 1 2 A B C D E F G H Welcome Moving Into Retreat FAQs Self-Guided Tour Tips/Insights from Other Retreatants Practices that Foster Reflection Resources in the Monastery Library Workshops/Retreats
More informationFIRST EUCHARIST PARENT SESSION #3 HAND-OUTS
Parish-Based Sacramental Preparation Program FIRST EUCHARIST PARENT SESSION #3 We Celebrate this Memory of Christ, Mass HAND-OUTS OPENING PRAYER In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
More informationthe manifest presence of God
GLORY the manifest presence of God Br. Keith Nelson, SSJE Glory is at the heart of John s gospel. In the very opening lines, we read: And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his
More informationThe Way of Love What does it mean for me? Elmwood Jail EfM Handout- August 2018
TURN: Pause, listen and choose to follow Jesus As Jesus was walking along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, Follow me. And he got up and followed him. Mark 2:14
More informationThe Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage
The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage with the Holy Eucharist The Gathering of the Community The people stand. The bride and bridegroom stand before the celebrant. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
More informationDancing with Monks and Mystics
Dancing with Monks and Mystics Prayer Guide for the DVD offered by Betsey Beckman David danced before the LORD with all his might. ( ) So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD
More informationWeek Nine: What Makes God Smile? Day One: Examples of Purpose-Driven Life
Day One: Examples of Purpose-Driven Life Read: Genesis 6:1-8 (Freedom in Christ Bible p. 11) Read: Purpose-Driven Life pp. 69-70 Reflect: When does God smile in fatherly delight upon your life? Dig: In
More information15 Ways. To Connect to Your Higher Self
15 Ways To Connect to Your Higher Self Your Higher Self is your Soul self. It is the ancient, infinitely wise part of you that was directly created from Divine Source. Your Higher Self is not limited to
More informationYEAR ONE MEETING FOUR THE PILLARS OF DOMINICAN LIFE MEDITATION AND CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER Union with God is the goal of the spiritual life.
YEAR ONE MEETING FOUR THE PILLARS OF DOMINICAN LIFE MEDITATION AND CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER Union with God is the goal of the spiritual life. This union with God will, in turn, enrich and perfect our active
More informationWHAT S HAPPENING IN YOUTH CONFIRMATION? Confirmation Leader Responses
WHAT S HAPPENING IN YOUTH CONFIRMATION? Confirmation Leader Responses About You (Please check only one item in each question.) 1. You are a (1)_76%_Pastor (2)_13%DCE (3)_1.4%Teacher (4)_9% Youth Leader
More informationEducation within the Benedictine Wisdom Tradition
Association of Benedictine Colleges and Universities 8/27/07 Education within the Benedictine Wisdom Tradition Prologue: The Catholic Intellectual Tradition 1 From the earliest years of Christianity the
More informationRule of Benedict: A Brief Study Guide
Rule of Benedict: A Brief Study Guide Introduction. Benedict (480(?) 547AD) lived at a time when the Roman Empire was disintegrating. It was a period of great turbulence and chaos - a world, in many ways,
More informationNO WISHFUL THINKING April 16, our upcoming visitation, along with a copy of the report he gave us at the end of the previous
NO WISHFUL THINKING April 16, 2015 A few weeks ago I gave each of you a copy of Abbot President Richard Yeo s letter about our upcoming visitation, along with a copy of the report he gave us at the end
More informationLIFE GROUPS FOCUS ON GOD S WORD WEEK 5
LIFE GROUPS FOCUS ON GOD S WORD WEEK 5 MAIN POINT When we learn with others on the journey, we start to find the real life answers and real hope that the promises of God hold for us. INTRODUCTION As your
More informationSpiritual Reading of Scripture Lectio Divina
Spiritual Reading of Scripture Lectio Divina Read with a vulnerable heart. Expect to be blessed in the reading. Read as one awake, one waiting for the Beloved. Read with reverence. Macrina Wiederkehr For
More informationMission Moments Mission Moments Mission Statement
Mission Moments Opportunities to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the deeper purpose and meaning that drives all that we do as Anselmians Mission Moments Founded in 1889, Saint Anselm College was established
More informationLifelong Leadership Development Plan
Internship Course Number: Course Title: Lifelong Leadership Development Plan Name of Intern: Student ID Number: Due Date: Week 3 of the first semester of the Internship Late paperwork will result in the
More informationReligion Standards Fifth Grade
1. The Faith Professed 5.F.1 5.F.2 5.F.3 5.F.4 5.F.5 5.F.6 5.F.7 5.F.8 5.F.9 5.F.9a 5.F.10 5.F.11 5.F.12 5.F.13 5.F.14 5.F.15 5.F.16 5.F.17 5.F.18 5.F.19 Doctrine Explain why the faith is considered a
More informationVOCATION INTERCESSIONS
First Sunday of Advent 2018 to Feast of Christ the King 2019 Cycle C First Sunday of Advent, December 2, 2018 That all those now discerning their vocations will be alert and responsive to the invitation
More informationFAITH SHARING. Candidate/Sponsor Sheet 1. June. Record your responses to chosen questions in your journal. PRAYER (Choose from one below)
Candidate/Sponsor Sheet 1 June What is your prayer schedule like right now? When do you pray? How do you pray? What does prayer mean to you? How will you try to grow in prayer during this time of preparation
More informationCreative Communications Sample
LENT DAILY CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS based on the Mass Readings for Year A Thursday after Ash Wednesday Attend to the Little Sins What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?
More informationDISCIPLESHIP DESIGN Developing a Plan to Flourish as a Disciple
DISCIPLESHIP DESIGN Developing a Plan to Flourish as a Disciple How does the Lord want you to grow as a disciple? Answer this question prayerfully, trying to be as specific as possible. You may also refer
More informationMorning and Evening Prayers
Morning and Evening Prayers Seasonal Introduction Ordinary Time Following Pentecost Sunday, we enter into Ordinary Time. In the Church liturgical year it is the longest season, taking us through until
More informationGUIDELINES FOR CHURCH VISITS IN THE FREE REFORMED CHURCHES OF AUSTRALIA ADOPTED BY SYNOD 1998
APPENDIX 3 GUIDELINES FOR CHURCH VISITS IN THE FREE REFORMED CHURCHES OF AUSTRALIA ADOPTED BY SYNOD 1998 (Re: Article 44 of the Church Order 1 ) PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS Footnotes amended according to Article
More informationPat Sczebel WORSHIPING A BIG GOD IN A SMALL CHURCH
Page 1 of 5 Pat Sczebel WORSHIPING A BIG GOD IN A SMALL CHURCH I. We Worship Our Big God When We Serve His Purchased Possession No matter the size, small church or large church they are all ones for whom
More informationPersonal Spiritual Formation Assessment
Personal Spiritual Formation Assessment Spiritual formation is fundamental in the discipleship process. The only way we can be sure to grow up in our faith is to honestly reflect and evaluate ourselves.
More informationTHE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND PRESBYTERY CENTRAL
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND PRESBYTERY CENTRAL Order of Service for the Induction of The Rev Dr Susan Jones To the Parish of St Andrew s on The Terrace Wellington 7.30pm Thursday, 26
More informationCoptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Monthly Message for the Monastic and Consecrated Servants. January 2018
Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States Monthly Message for the Monastic and Consecrated Servants Dear beloved, Peace and grace. January 2018 In our recent November letter, we began to discuss
More informationThe Witnessing and Blessing of a Marriage
This liturgy was authorized for use at the 78th General Convention, Resolution A054, under the direction and with the permission of the bishop exercising ecclesiastical authority, with the following corrections.
More informationCelebration of The Living Flame
TSG FOUNDATION PRESENTS Celebration of The Living Flame November 1, 2018 Annierversary Program Candlelight Service Bring the light into your Center and sing: Om Mani Padme Hum Reading: The Legend of Shamballa
More informationWay of Life Introduction The Community of Aidan and Hilda is a body of Christians who wish to live wholeheartedly as disciples of Jesus Christ, and
Way of Life Introduction The Community of Aidan and Hilda is a body of Christians who wish to live wholeheartedly as disciples of Jesus Christ, and to express this in a distinctive way that draws inspiration
More informationStill Waters News. 26th April 2018
Still Waters News 26th April 2018 In this Newsletter: Introduction, Reminders and News p1 The Benedictine Rhythm of Days p3 The Retreat p3 Book Study p7 Morning Meditation Information p8 Administration
More informationProfile of an OCDS P. Aloysius Deeney, OCD
Profile of an OCDS P. Aloysius Deeney, OCD The point of this presentation is to answer the question What are the principles that you use to discern the vocation to the Secular Order of the Discalced Carmelites?
More informationFormation Philosophy INTRODUCTION
Formation Philosophy INTRODUCTION The idea of Spiritual Formation is to bring a person to a state in which they are able to do two key things: first, to be continuously aware of God in themselves, in other
More informationDOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH LUMEN GENTIUM SOLEMNLY PROMULGATED BY HIS HOLINESS POPE PAUL VI ON NOVEMBER 21, 1964 CHAPTER I
DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH LUMEN GENTIUM SOLEMNLY PROMULGATED BY HIS HOLINESS POPE PAUL VI ON NOVEMBER 21, 1964 CHAPTER I THE MYSTERY OF THE CHURCH 1. Christ is the Light of nations. Because this
More informationThe Twelve Phases of Consciousness by John Randolph Price Excerpted from the book The Superbeings
The Twelve Phases of Consciousness by John Randolph Price Excerpted from the book The Superbeings If every student of Truth wore an identification tag, you would be amazed at the number and variety of
More informationMembership Guidelines Associates of the Iowa Cistercians. Revised and approved March 2013
Membership Guidelines Associates of the Iowa Cistercians Revised and approved March 2013 Becoming a Member of the AIC Inquiry Process The purpose of the AIC is to encourage and assist individuals who feel
More informationThe Netherlorn Churches - Being a Caring Church February-March No. 1 Being a Welcoming Church Dr Kenneth Ross 20 Feb 2011
The Netherlorn Churches - Being a Caring Church February-March 2011 No. 1 Being a Welcoming Church Dr Kenneth Ross 20 Feb 2011 Ruth 2:1-23; Luke 14:12-14 The welcome of God expressed in Jesus When we had
More informationShamrock News. Notes from the Pastor by Fr. Jim Angert, T.O.R. Families In Service. Symbolon. Lectio Divina. Faith Formation Ministry Highlights
Shamrock News Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit Matthew 28:19 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4 V O L U M E 3, I S
More informationThe 2012 rite is recommended for all couples seeking blessing of a lifelong covenant (including marriage) at St. Margaret s.
Comparison of Marriage Rites: The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage from the 1979 Book of Common Prayer (p. 423) and The Witnessing and Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant from the 2012 I Will Bless You
More informationCORE CONVICTION #2: GATHERING HEBREWS 10:19-25
1 CORE CONVICTION #2: GATHERING HEBREWS 10:19-25 Jesus Christ made a curious statement in Matthew 9.17, You don t put new wine into old wineskins; you put new wine in new wineskins. A supple, new wineskin
More informationThe Salesian Spirit ESSAY CONTEST
The Salesian Spirit ESSAY CONTEST Revived in 2006, with the 40th anniversary of DeSales University and in conjunction with World Communications Day, the Salesian Center for Faith & Culture sponsors an
More informationPurify My Lips Zephaniah 3:9
Purify My Lips Zephaniah 3:9 Objective: Motivate folks to strive to be a people of pure lips. Reading: Zephaniah 3:6-17. Memory: Zephaniah 3:9, Then will I purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them
More informationLITURGICAL RESOURCES
As approved by General Convention 2015 Note: Although the Secretary of General Convention believes this to be an accurate interpolation of the Blue Book report and changes made at General Convention, the
More informationReligion Standards Sixth Grade
1. The Faith Professed Doctrine 6.F.1 Explain why the faith is considered a mystery and a free gift from God. 6.F.2 Explain that God is pure, uncreated spirit who always was and who always remains the
More information21 DAYS OF PRAYER IS FOR YOU!
21 DAYS OF IS FOR YOU! If you sense God has more for your life, 21 Days of Prayer is a great place to start believing Him for all that He has for you. As you practice seeking Him first, He will move on
More informationRULE OF LIFE Teams of Our Lady
RULE OF LIFE Teams of Our Lady 2 INDEX 1 Introduction 4 I. Where does the rule of life come from? 1- Roots in the Bible 5 A The Old Testament 5 B The New Testament 5 2- A rule of life for the monks: St
More informationMission and Vision at SBCC. Mr David Costin Director of Mission and Vision
+ Mission and Vision at SBCC Mr David Costin Director of Mission and Vision + What is a Catholic School Community of Believers In Jesus Christ The school is structured and set up to reflect the teachings
More informationService for the Sacramental Blessing of a Life-Long Covenant
Service for the Sacramental Blessing of a Life-Long Covenant Approved for use in the Diocese of Los Angeles This service may be used to bless the covenant of a man and woman, two women or two men. Introduction
More informationIn vv the imperative is make disciples with 3 controlling participles. up his cross and follow me. Matthew 16:24 (ESV)
I. THE NEED FOR THE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES. Disciple occurs 269 times in NT. Christian 3 x s. The Great Commission: 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father
More informationWEEK II SUNDAY Evening Prayer I
CONTENTS Preface...7 Introduction...9 The Celebration of the Hours...13 The Cycle of the Four-Week Psalter...15 ORDINARY Morning Prayer...18 Evening Prayer...30 THE FOUR-WEEK PSALTER Week I...37 Week II...111
More informationThe Witnessing and Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant
2012T h The Witnessing and Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant Liturgical Resources for Blessing Same-Sex Relationships Extracted from Liturgical Resources 1: I Will Bless You and You Will Be a Blessing Authorized
More information1 & 2 Timothy. Guarding the Gospel: Leadership 101
1 & 2 Timothy Guarding the Gospel: Leadership 101 Paul s two letters to Timothy and his letter to Titus are often called the Pastoral Epistles. In them the apostle is conveying his encouragement and instructions
More informationthe Hours pg. 129 Ligouri Missouri
The Liturgy of the Hours refers to the practice of communities and individuals offering official public prayer at regular points through the day and night. This liturgy goes back to Christianity s early
More information20 What Will You Do With Jesus?
WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH JESUS? 241 20 What Will You Do With Jesus? Even as large and as complex as this world is, according to the divine Scriptures, it is only a place of preparation for the life we will
More informationSolemn Assembly Prayer Guide
Solemn Assembly Prayer Guide As you read and pray through these verses and questions, keep these recommendations in mind: Do not take shortcuts. Read each verse carefully and prayerfully. Rereading it
More informationRevised Fivefold Ministries Inventory (with church experience issues de-emphasized)
Revised Fivefold Ministries Inventory (with church experience issues de-emphasized) Read through the statements and decide as honestly as you can whether they apply to you often, some or rarely and check
More informationSPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES FOR THE CHRISTIAN LIFE Week Five: Silence and Solitude
SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES FOR THE CHRISTIAN LIFE Week Five: Silence and Solitude I. Review and Introduction Last week, we discussed the spiritual discipline of fasting, which is a Christian s voluntary abstinence
More informationAll Saints Day, 1 November, Gold or White
All Saints Day, 1 November, Gold White No Christian is solitary. Through baptism we become members one of another in Christ, members of a company of saints whose mutual belonging transcends death: One
More informationThe Mystery of Faith
SACROSANCTUM CONCILIUM DEI VERBUM LUMEN GENTIUM GAUDIUM ET SPES SACROSANCTUM CONCILIUM DEI VERBUM The Mystery of Faith Pastoral Letter on the Year of Faith The Most Reverend Kevin J. Farrell, D.D. Bishop
More informationResources for WORSHIP
Resources for WORSHIP A Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec resource aimed at equipping churches for ministry excellence. January 2018 Table of contents Church Ministry Resources... 4 Worship... 4
More informationSuccessful Church Planting: A Case Study
Successful Church Planting: A Case Study by the staff of the (Resource) Strategy and Development Unit in consultation with the Revd Azariah France-Williams, Curate, St Francis Church, Dalgarno Way (Diocese
More informationSERMON Last Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C, February 7, 2016 Exodus 34:29-35; Psalm 99; 2 Cor. 3:12-4:2; Luke 9:28-36, [37-43a]
SERMON Last Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C, February 7, 2016 Exodus 34:29-35; Psalm 99; 2 Cor. 3:12-4:2; Luke 9:28-36, [37-43a] As people of faith, we live in the overlapping seasons of liturgy and
More informationChurch History Turning Points. Benedict s Rule & the Rise of Monasticism
Church History Turning Points Benedict s Rule & the Rise of Monasticism Destruction of Jerusalem 70 AD Ignatius of Antioch Parting of the ways Polycarp Rise of Church in divided urban centres like Antioch
More informationSpiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life Page 1
SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES FOR THE CHRISTIAN LIFE Week Six: Christian Service I. Review and Introduction Last week, we discussed the closely related spiritual disciplines of silence and solitude, which are
More informationGrowing in Jesus Likeness
Sermon, June 4, 2017 - Pentecost Sunday Growing in Jesus Likeness Dear Friends in Christ Today is an extra special day for us here at Faith and for God s Kingdom as well because 8 young people are making
More information: INTRODUCTION TO THE EIGHT-WEEK PROGRAM
Following Jesus Invitation to Discipleship Monday : INTRODUCTION TO THE EIGHT-WEEK PROGRAM On this first day of Following Jesus, we will get a sense for the framework of the program, and reflect a bit
More information1. Week 30: The Remnant of God in the World: Ezra & Nehemiah
1. Week 30: The Remnant of God in the World: Ezra & Nehemiah 2. Recap & Preparing for CG: Daily Reading for Week: Ezra 8-10, Psalm 47 Nehemiah 1-3, Psalm 48 Nehemiah 4-6, Psalm 49 Nehemiah 7-9, Psalm 50
More informationSt. Aloysius Religious Education th Grade
St. Aloysius Religious Education 2017-2018 5 th Grade 4:00pm 4:05pm 4:10pm Welcome (To ensure accuracy, class attendance must be accurately recorded by a catechist and not another student - class attendance
More informationThe Disciple s Journey: Called, Transformed, Sent to Serve
The Disciple s Journey: Called, Transformed, Sent to Serve Lent and Eastertime 2011 (Year A) Group Leaders Notes Thank you for agreeing to lead a Scripture reflection group. If this is your first time
More informationGENERAL CHAPTER 2011 PREPARATION PHASE II WALKING THE EMMAUS JOURNEY TOGETHER
GENERAL CHAPTER 2011 PREPARATION PHASE II WALKING THE EMMAUS JOURNEY TOGETHER INTRODUCTION In a presentation at the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) Plenary held in Rome in May 2010, Sister
More informationA TIME OF PREPARATION
Leader Guide 2 nd SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR B A TIME OF PREPARATION Leader Preparation Overview The word conversion comes from the Latin word convertere, meaning to turn around. When was the last time you
More informationJPII Mission of the Redeemer n. 21
07. The Holy Spirit JPII Mission of the Redeemer n. 21 Through the action of the Holy Spirit the Good News takes shape in human minds and hearts and extends through history. In all of this it is the Holy
More informationCampus Huddle Leadership Guide
Campus Huddle Leadership Guide To see the world impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of athletes and coaches. To present to athletes and coaches, and all whom they influence, the challenge and
More informationLuke 10:38-42 A Word about Priorities
Luke 10:38-42 A Word about Priorities The ancient Greeks had a saying - know yourself. It was not a bit of pop psychology about getting in touch with your inner feelings, but rather it meant to know what
More informationSermon: Marks of the Church (Acts 1-8): A Faithful People
Sermon: Marks of the Church (Acts 1-8): A Faithful People Marks of the Church (Acts 1-8): A Faithful People Acts 6:1-15 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews[a]
More informationThe Eucharist: Communion with Christ and with one another
PrayerS in the Presence of the Eucharist Resources for Adoration of the Blessed Sacram ent The Eucharist: Communion with Christ and with one another to be used during International Eucharistic Congress
More informationORDINATION SERVICE ADDRESS. Methodist Conference Christchurch. Te Háhi Weteriana O Aotearoa
ORDINATION SERVICE ADDRESS Christchurch Methodist Conference 2009 Te Háhi Weteriana O Aotearoa ORDINATION SERVICE ADDRESS CHOSEN, CALLED, TESTED, ORDAINED A sermon for the Methodist Conference Ordination
More informationFIRST EUCHARIST RETREAT OUTLINE
FIRST EUCHARIST RETREAT OUTLINE The chart below details the curriculum content which the time of retreat will cover from the program, Celebrate and Remember Eucharist, Published by Saint Mary s Press.
More informationSpiritual Disciplines 1/Introduction
Spiritual Disciplines #1: Introduction INTRODUCTION In an era when instant gratification is the way that people approach life, the very idea of discipline does not seem appealing to many. Yet God invites
More informationREVEALING SPIRIT Deepening Your Trust in Spirit and Revealing Your Natural Intuition 1 INTRODUCTION
TRANSCRIPT REVEALING SPIRIT Deepening Your Trust in Spirit and Revealing Your Natural Intuition given by Norma Gentile on June 21, 2015 www.healingchants.com 1 INTRODUCTION What I wanted to do today is
More informationEmotional Healing: How to Move Beyond (Part 1) Treating the Symptoms James 5:13
Emotional Healing: How to Move Beyond (Part 1) Treating the Symptoms James 5:13 Introduction: The Emotional State of America Never have so many struggled with so much; and never has so much been done to
More informationTHE UPPER ROOM SQUAD
THE UPPER ROOM SQUAD CURRICULUM OF HAPPINESS Why am I so happy? Because I know Jesus Christ! Because I know Jesus Christ I know that in him I have eternal life and my whole life is guided by the truth
More informationORDER OF WORSHIP July 15, th Sunday after Pentecost/15 th Sunday in Ordinary Time
ORDER OF WORSHIP July 15, 2018 8 th Sunday after Pentecost/15 th Sunday in Ordinary Time Please sign and pass the Friendship Book ( pew pad ) where you can also record any prayer requests. Our prayer is
More information