Malcolm Guite’s passage “Deep in this crowded underground, to learn the earthy otherness of every other” resonates. When life’s circumstances turn dark, we feel we are alone. Guite suggests there are others alongside us in that crowded underground. We may not see them, or see the work being done in us. Yet, just as we don’t dig up seeds to check their progress, we sit in silence, trusting the Spirit’s work in us. <3 linda

The often-heard sentence from Father Keating calls me: “The way to become divine is thus to become fully human.” It brings light to dark areas of my soul that allow me to bring them to God for discussion. Ah! Such dark areas now light! Thanks be to God! <3 linda

I am “walking a mile in another’s shoes”, committing my intention and attention to a loved one’s health journey. I am humbled by the grace God has bestowed on us both, through scares and setbacks, victories small and large. I have been willing to take it in and pray willingness to continue. <3 linda

This week, as I encountered various persons/groups of people, and was present to God’s action creating and re-creating us all, I was surprised by how much differently I responded. Calmer, more grounded, not reactive at all. Yet, only when purposely paying attention. Note to self: pay attention more. <3 linda

What speaks to my journey are Beverly Lanzetta’s quote on Ghandhi’s willingness to change as he understood more. “He was open to evolving, to allowing his understanding to move to a new level, receptive to metanoia of heart, mind and practice to serve a greater good.” May Lent open and evolve my heart. <3 linda

I am being asked to “obey” – to listen and respond – to strengthening my discernment muscles. I get caught up in life’s weather. I think I have listened and heard, yet find instead I have, as Gerald May writes, “rushed ahead of grace”. God asks me to be still wait out the storms. With Jesus asleep in the bottom of my boat, storms are just weather. <3 linda

Cynthia Bourgeault’s statement “…presence can be sustained regardless of what inner or outer storms assail you” resonates at this juncture of my journey. It is truly the peace that passes all understanding. Why should I remain calm and steady while living in tumultuous circumstances at home and abroad? Presence can be sustained. Thanks be to God. <3 linda

For my journey now I hear “Wonderful…my very self you know…wonderful!” God knows me so much better than I know myself. When I discover some aspect of frustration with an energy center, I can acknowledge and let it go. That is wonderful. <3 linda

I did have the opportunity to experience an emotional trigger with comments of love and support to a friend that went unheeded…until a perfect stranger to her told her and it was a new revelation. I was frustrated she didn’t believe me. Then I realized all I have control over is sending out edifying energies and God will do the delivering of the message. <3 linda

To “know that what you seek is already here” is a deep heart and soul comfort – knowledge that brings great joy. Trusting that Presence in the midst of life’s crises is faith. For my journey now, I pray I trust that what I seek is already here. <3 linda

Father Keating’s invitation to cultivate becoming unified/identified with God, and to all ow myself to be convinced God loves me, has come forth as a two-track course for 2024. Both tracks can be nurtured with my daily centering prayer practice, coupled with just doing my daily tasks with as much love as I can muster. <3 linda

It has been said that you cannot outgive God. This is especially true about love. We are called to absorb all bitterness, anger, unforgiveness and hatred, in order to return it as love. This is accomplished twenty minutes, twice a day, remaining faithful to centering prayer. In 2024, may I learn to love better. <3 linda

Evocative are these readings and images. This year, so many families with whom I have relationships are engaged in turmoil and disruptions of loving relationships. Wares rage around the globe. I pray as 2023 closes Father Keatings words: “Charity, as a way of life, has never been tried on a national, let alone world wide scale.” May utmost violence be loved out of existence by utmost charity. <3 linda

[linda rhead]

What I hear for my journey now is in the sentence “All we have to do, ultimately, is accept God’s love and the great realities of life and the immense possibility for transformation.” Out of this Father Keating quote, what my spirit hears is “all you have to do is be you.” My attention, consent, humility and all the other attributes point to me being able to just be me. Help me, Lord. <3 linda

• This reply was modified 2 years, 10 months ago by linda rhead.

Sitting in darkness upon my bed, I close my eyes and sense a warmth deep inside me. I open my eyes and gaze out a picture window framing my world. Deep waters of a river frame mountains in the distance, all bathed in soft moonlight. Peace, peace flows like the river in this dark stillness. <3 linda

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