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 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

My heart opens at Anthony De Mello’s passage, especially to take seriously the task of seeing. I desire the hard, protective shell of my heart to soften and melt. I want to know at last what love is. This week’s breath prayer: melt me, Lord. Amen. <3 linda

My heart opens to Father Keating’s words “…to allow God in God’s infinite wisdom let happen to us what happens.” Living life trusting each circumstance comes from God’s infinite wisdom takes confusion about why something happens out of the equation. Are all situations pleasant? No, that is not the point. Trusting to be given what is needed in any circumstance does bring the joy of the Kingdom to everyday life. <3 linda

“…the light from the inner sanctuary of the soul can be a workaday light for the marketplace, a guide to perplexed feet…” Thomas Kelly’s words speak to what centering prayer can become. During prayer times, we nurture the “bright shoots of everlastingness”. Then, during day to day living, that light shines on the paths of all encountered. Called to be a light, shining on paths for perplexed feet. Allow me to be “deadly earnest” in my dedication to the light. <3 linda

Good to have Father Keating’s words as a reminder to allow myself to be in the present moment, whatever the present moment holds. “Patience is hope in action. It waits for the saving help of God without giving up, giving in, or going away.” I have an image of sitting at the foot of God’s throne, smiling and waiting, just smiling and waiting. Forever, if need be. Patience is hope in action. <3 linda

My heart resonates with Father Keating’s statement “The whole kingdom is ours for the accepting.” My heart opens to Thich Nhat Hanh’s sentence “…the door of my heart could be left open, the door of compassion.” This past week my teachers have been life itself and medical professionals. Life itself, because of the need to see medical professionals walking alongside a loved one. The compassion experienced by all the medical professionals encountered embody Keating and Hanh’s quotes. My breath prayer: “Keep me open, Lord.” <3 linda

Sunday October 29: Love Them ALL

Loving God in others and allowing God to love through us is central to brining lasting peace to our love starved world. “It all matters to the healing and transformation of the whole.” Our simplest prayer: use me, Abba. Amen. <3 linda

Archbishop Rowan’s sentence enlivened me this past week. “To learn contemplative practice is to learn what we need so as to live truthfully and honestly and lovingly.” His words infer ongoing practice, as my experience has also confirmed. Always aiming to live thankfully, honestly, and lovingly despite all outward appearances to the contrary. Thank God for silence. <3 linda

Father Keating speaks to my journey with that “unifying point between rest and activity, at which they interpenetrate and become one.” Brother Lawrence echoes this in his writings as well. Both mystics share how to practice the presence of God from interior stillness while being fully present to our God ordained lives. I sense the way to stay near the unifying point is to infuse my life with Spirit’s love. Accepting the love for myself bring the stillness. Kairos living means pouring out that love with activity to support others. <3 linda

The double bind perfectly describes the apparent dissonance of being thankful some health challenges came to light as they did. When I can just stay in the liminal space and allow God to hold all that I am through the double bind, faith is increased, and new perspectives will be opened. Staying in the double bind is challenge enough for today and the days ahead. <3 linda

What I hear for my journey now is seeing “God in everything, and you see God intentionally working with circumstances outside of you and inside of you.” Facing new health challenges for a loved one has brought God’s working in everything to the fore. God is using these new, liminal circumstances to work both outside and inside me. Deeper trust and faith in God are being developed. Help my unbelief! <3 linda

I attempted to intend to be a compassionate, listening presence this week. What I learned was I am grateful for my centering practice’s “ever so softly return” component, because I received many opportunities to return to my intention. Thank You, Abba, for this time to learn compassionate listening, and for all the occasions that will arise in which I can practice. <3 linda

I observe when I bend to love I am first reaching into the solitude, filling buckets from the Living Waters, then pouring into whomever comes to mind after my prayer. The love takes the shape of a note to loved ones, a walk across the yard with a mower, or a pile of freshly folded laundry placed where it belongs. Bending to love is one of the best practical practices I know. <3 linda

[Author]

Posts