40 Days Of Prayer And Reflection - Video Reflection: The Problem of Sin

Loyola Press editor Jim Manney talks about the problem of sin and falling short of ideals in our relationship with God. This video is a part of An Ignatian Prayer Adventure.

 

For Further Reflection please see;

An Ignatian Prayer Adventure: Week 3

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40 Days Of Prayer And Reflection - Spiritual Directive: Always Come Back To The Solid Place

Greek Orthodox monastery of Rousanou, Meteora, Greece

You must believe in the yes that comes back when you ask, "Do you love me?" You must choose this yes even when you do not experience it.

You feel overwhelmed by distractions, fantasies, the disturbing desire to throw yourself into the world of pleasure. But you know already that you will not find there an answer to your deepest question. Nor does the answer lie in rehashing old events, or in guilt or shame. All of that makes you dissipate yourself and leave the rock on which your house is built.

You have to trust the place that is solid, the place where you can say yes to God's love even when you do not feel it. Right now you feel nothing except emptiness and the lack of strength to choose. But keep saying, "God loves me, and God's love is enough." You have to choose the solid place over and over again and return to it after every failure.

-Henri J.M. Nouwen "The Inner Voice Of Love"

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Video Series - Discernment of Spirits with Father Tim Gallagher OMV ; Part 8

During the course of the series, Father Gallagher will look at the 14 Ignatian rules for discernment of spirits. Through his real-life examples, the rules come alive for the panel on each show and for you at home. Join in this wonderful retreat experience and learn how to become more attuned to the spiritual life.

This week, Fr. Tim discusses Ignatian Rule 5 using an example of a retreatant.

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Praying the Gospels of Lent

These readings can be used in daily prayer through the weeks of Lent or at any other appropriate time in the course of an individual's spiritual life. Through the course of these readings one will become immersed in the story and the experience of the Passion and Death of Christ.

Some Tips for Daily Prayer:

*Select a time and a place that is well suited to quiet prayer. Establish a schedule for prayer and stick to it as much as possible.

*As you begin, realize that God is really present and desires to draw closer to you.

*Ask the Holy Spirit to be your guide in this time of prayer and seek her inspiration.

*You may want to begin your time of prayer with these (or similar) words;

Preparatory Prayer

Lord, may all my intentions, actions and operations be directed purely to the service and praise of your Divine Majesty.

The Grace I seek... (What special grace do you seek this Lent? Take time before your reflection and meditation to bring your particular spiritual needs before God.)

John 11:1-44 - Raising of Lazarus

Matthew 26:6-16 - Supper at Bethany

Matthew 21:1-11 - Palm Sunday

Matthew 26:17-30 - Last Supper

John 13:1-17 - Washing of the Feet

Matthew 26:31-46 - Agony in the Garden

Matthew 26:47-56 - Arrest

John 18:12-27 + Matthew 26:57-75 - Jesus before the Council at night.

Luke 22:66-71 - Jesus before the Council in the Morning

Luke 23:1-25 + John 18:28 - 19:16 - Jesus before Pilate and Herod

Luke 23:26 - 32 -The Way of the Cross

Luke 23:33-49 -The Crucifixion

Two Ways Of Praying with Scripture:

Ignatian Contemplation (Imaginative Prayer):

This method of prayer lends itself well to passages in both the Old and New Testaments that portray persons, places and actions, especially events in the life of Christ. It takes into account the fact that everything we have is a gift from our God and can become a tool for growing closer to our Lord, including our imaginations.

*Begin by reading the passage over slowly to yourself. Begin to use your imagination to create the scene in your mind.

*Try to see, contemplating each person in the scene. Where are they standing? What do they look like? What are they wearing? What expressions are on their faces? Give a prolonged look, above all, to the person of Jesus himself (if he is featured in the passage in question). Do not try to explain or understand, just take some time to look around.

*Try to listen, paying attention to spoken or even implied words. What might they mean? Who might they be speaking to? Does their meaning change when these words are directed at your?

*Observe what the people in the scene do. What are their names (even if the passage does not give them one)? What might their history be, their sufferings, personal quests, challenges and joys? How do they react? Note their gestures, feelings and attitudes especially of Jesus if he is present.

*Place yourself actively in the scene. Allow yourself to be involved in what is happening. Besides seeing and listening, try to touch and feel the flavor of what you are experiencing in prayer. Think 'affectively' about your time in this place; How do you feel? What joys or challenges do you feel you should pay attention to as a result of spending time in this place?

End your time of prayer with an intimate thank-you and farewell to God. You might use the words of the Lord's Prayer or words of your own choosing. Take time to jot down any thoughts or feelings this experience had left you with in a journal (if you have one).

Lectio Divina;

Lectio (reading):

Begin by reading the passage slowly. Take time to let the words sink into your spirit, your soul. Allow your self time to slowly awaken to prayer. Gradually allow a word or phrase to choose you. Let it touch you, resonate with you. Savor it, repeat it, breath the word or words in and out and let them saturate you.

As you do this, you will begin to wonder why they have touched you in this way, why they have attracted your attention. This is a natural progression to the next step...

Meditatio (meditating)

Now you begin to ask questions about these words; What is God saying to me? Why these words? Why today, in this moment? What connection do they have to what is going on in my life right now?

What are you trying to say to me God?

Like squeezing the juice from a grape to make wine, you are searching for the particular meaning these words have for you, their connection to your life, your own situation. Why do you need to hear this right now?

At some point you may realize just what it is you need from these words, a personal epiphany or 'a ha!' Allow this new insight or understanding to sink in and to move you. Spend an appropriate amount of time simply allowing this insight to sink in with all of it's joys, challenges and implications.

Realize that God has spoken to your heart. The natural flow of things is to respond...

Oratio (praying)

Touched deeply by the Word God has spoken, allow yourself to speak spontaneously to God. Speak, sing, celebrate, laugh or cry...are you moved to praise God, or give thanks? Are you moved to tears, of sorrow? Of Joy? Are you energized to act, to do something? Speak to God about how you feel...lift your heart and mind to God.

Contemplatio (contemplation)

Contemplation is a simple, loving gaze one upon another. Spend quite time now alone with God. You have heard God's word, you have experienced God's desire for you, you have spoken together...now simply sit in the silent presence of God. Just 'be' together. This is the goal of Lectio Divina, this silent unity with God.

The first three steps move us from greater action, to lesser action, and finally to inaction...simple being.

End your time of prayer with an intimate thank-you and farewell to God. You might use the words of the Lord's Prayer or words of your own choosing. Take time to jot down any thoughts or feelings this experience had left you with in a journal (if you have one).

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Video Series - Discernment of Spirits with Father Tim Gallagher OMV ; Part 7

During the course of the series, Father Gallagher will look at the 14 Ignatian rules for discernment of spirits. Through his real-life examples, the rules come alive for the panel on each show and for you at home. Join in this wonderful retreat experience and learn how to become more attuned to the spiritual life.

This week, Father Tim Gallagher finishes discussing Ignatian Rule 4 using a message from St. Teresa Rejadell.

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Video Series - Discernment of Spirits with Father Tim Gallagher OMV ; Part 6

This week in our on-going series on St. Ignatius' Rules for Discernment, Father Tim Gallagher finishes discussing Ignatian Rule 3 and begins Rule 4.

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Video Series - Discernment of Spirits with Father Tim Gallagher OMV ; Part 5

This week in our on-going video series with Father Tim, we move from the Second rule of discernment to the Third. We have looked at those things which draw us away from life in Christ and how the Spirit will move to bring us back through those nagging, twinges of conscience that are attempts to get our attention.

This week, we examine the experience of growing positively in faith and prayer and how temptation can seep in, and we can find ourselves doubting experiences of God and growth in the Christian life using examples from St. Therese of Lisieux and Russian philosopher Raissa Maritain.

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Video Series - Discernment of Spirits with Father Tim Gallagher OMV ; Part 4

During the course of this series, Father Gallagher will look at the 14 Ignatian rules for discernment of spirits. Through his real-life examples, the rules come alive for the panel on each show and for you at home. Join in this wonderful retreat experience and learn how to become more attuned to the spiritual life.


This week, Father Tim looks at those times when we find ourselves turned so quickly from a zealous and passionate experience of faith, perhaps in prayer, at Mass or on retreat, to distraction or dryness in faith to the point where we begin to doubt such zeal or passion in faith ever really existed at all;

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Video Series - Discernment of Spirits with Father Tim Gallagher OMV ; Part 3

Our video retreat with Father Tim Gallagher continues as he invites us into a deeper understanding of Ignatius' first rule of discernment; namely, how is it that we become caught up in the distractions and trappings that get in the way of a deepening relationship with God, and how does God act to draw us back into His presence?

Using examples from our modern lived experience as well as stories of St. Augustine's own spiritual journey, Father Tim helps us to understand and apply this first rule in our own lives.

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Video Series - Discernment of Spirits with Father Tim Gallagher OMV ; Part 2

Our video series on St. Ignatius' Discernment of Spirits led by Father Tim Gallagher. This next in the series invites us to simply become aware of the process, aware of those times when we feel close to God, and when God feels far off, second, to understand what is happening within us, and finally, take action based on this new understanding.

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Video Series - Discernment of Spirits with Father Tim Gallagher OMV

Just prior to Christmas I stumbled across the most amazing video series being offered through CatholicTV.com, a 26 - episode series simply titled "Discernment of Spirits". What is this 'Discernment of Spirits' you ask. The answer is both simple, and sublime.

St. Ignatuius, through the course of his own journey of conversion and spiritual growth realized that he was caught in the grip of a series of upward and downward movements in his relationship with God. Perhaps you've experienced something similar? In fact, Ignatius guarantees you have...he realized quickly that this was a spiritual cycle every human being went through, whether they were aware of it own not!

Here's a situation; Moved by the celebrations of Christmas, I make a personal resolution to attend Mass more regularly in the New Year. It feels so good when i make that decision! I feel energized, filled with joy I find myself feeling excited about going next Sunday. Maybe I even find myself keeping track of the days. I'm in a really good space, and at times it feels like I'm walking on air...you know what I mean, this is such a natural human experience that you've certainly felt it too.

As the week goes on, that 'glow' begins to fade. I start to question whether I'll really be able to stay consistent with my resolution. I'm always doing that you know. I get excited about things, I think 'This is it...I'm going to make a change!' and then I get distracted. Oh...it's going to be cold this weekend, maybe snow. I'll have to blow out the driveway. Boy, it's been a crazy week at work! I'm so tired, and Sundays are really the only day I get to sleep in. I start to feel discouraged, maybe I even begin to doubt how good I felt at those Christmas celebrations. I was probably just exaggerating things (I do that too!).

You've just witnessed the movement of two spirits, Ignatius calls them 'good' spirits and 'bad' spirits. They are those dispositions, ideas, imaginations and emotions that move us towards a deeper relationship with God, or further away. They are ALWAYS active and ALWAYS in flux and the first step for us is to simply become aware that it is going on.

Over the next 26 weeks we invite you to journey with Fr. Tim as he opens up this spiritual dialogue that we are embroiled in, turning our eyes inward and outward as a means of discerning how and where God is moving and living and breathing in our lives.

This first episode identifies the dialogue, talks about how Ignatius himself was made suddenly aware of these movements in his own life and identify what this process of discernment is, and what it is not. Enjoy!




Peace and God Bless

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The Nativity of Our Lord and the Feast of the Holy Family

So many of the great figures of our Advent preparations, John the Baptist, Mary, and Joseph, have served as examples of self-sacrifice, faith and obedience to God's Word. These are people who heard the Word of God, whispered, dreamed and shouted into their lives and were moved to respond. They underline for us just how important it is that we do not simply sit back, and enjoy the celebrations, good-will and peace that the Nativity of our Lord and King has heralded in, but that we actively and concretely respond to the Word whose birth we have just witnessed.

Today, on this Feast of the Holy Family, a feast which highlights how the family of Jesus can serve as a model for all struggling Christian families, we are invited to gaze upon our Lord, held in faith and hope by Mary and Joseph our two great models of faith in action and pray for the courage to respond in kind.

A great part of our Christian tradition is celebrated in the days and the feasts of the Christmas season. The liturgies and feasts of Christmas are integral to complete acquaintance with the entire rich deposit of faith. The liturgies of the Christmas season celebrate and emphasize each of the primary, essential truths of Christianity and Catholicism.

Now that you have spent time spiritually preparing for the coming of Christ in your heart at
Christmas, where in life do you most need Christ to come down? What in your life is in most
need of God’s salvation? If Christmas also celebrates those who have witnessed to Christ
through martyrdom, can you name some small ways that you have been a similar witness? In
what way have you taken up the cross for the sake of the Gospel in your lifetime? How
would you say you have exemplified John the Baptist’s insistence that he must decrease so
Christ could increase. In what way have you become less in order for God to become all in
all? In what way is your heart prepared for the coming of Christ this Christmas?

DECISION FOR CHANGE: What one bothersome behavior or attitude might God be calling
you to change in preparation for Christmas? What one spiritual activity are you willing to
engage in as Christmas draws near? Have you remembered the poor in your Christmas giving?



Prayers For Our Families

A Prayer for the Family

Jesus, our most loving redeemer,
You came to enlighten the world
with your teaching and example.
You willed to spend the greater part of Your life
in humble obedience to Mary and Joseph
in the poor home of Nazareth.
In this way, You sanctified that family,
which was to be an example for all Christian families.

Graciously accept our family,
which we dedicate and consecrate to You this day.
Be pleased to protect, guard, and keep it
in holy fear, in peace,
and in the harmony of Christian charity.
By conforming ourselves to the Divine model
of Your family,
may we attain to eternal happiness.
New St. Joseph People's Prayer Book


A Prayer for a Child's Return to the Faith

Dear Lord,
You became Man, suffered, and died
to win salvation for all souls.
Look graciously on the soul of my child
who has drifted away from You and the Faith.
Grant him/her your grace
to see the error of his/her ways
and return to the fold of Your care.

Teach me to stay close to him/her
during this trying time
and strive to convert him/her by action and prayers
more than by words that may antagonize.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust You
to do everything to bring my child back to You
New St. Joseph People's Prayer Book

Peace and God Bless

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First Week of Advent - The Advent Wreath and Keeping Awake

As we reach the mid-point of our first week of hope-filled waiting and preparation the following two videos should be of great help. The first from Franciscan communications is a brief description of the Advent wreath and an explanation of where the tradition originated and how and why we use this rich symbol as a part of our Advent waiting.

The Second is a brief reflection on some of the themes of this first week of Advent, brought to you by the folks at Catholic Digest. I hope you enjoy both of these and that your Advent preparations help you to create a space in heart and home for the birthing of our Lord;












Peace and God Bless

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Advent Twilight Retreat

The weeks leading up to Christmas tend to get increasingly hectic as time runs on. Why not treat yourself to an evening of calm, quiet and reflection on those ways God is calling you to find comfort and peace in Him? Let this be our heart-felt gift to you.

Participants will be introduced and invited to share in the Lectio Divina or 'Holy Words' method of praying with the Gospels of Advent and Christmas. This ancient contemplative practice is being increasingly promoted by our Church as a means of steeping our lives in the living Word of God helping us to discover the underlying spiritual rhythm of our daily lives.

Experience the kind of peace and consolation that only God's eternal Word can bring. Please join us, please pray with us on Tuesday November 30th at 7:00pm in the Parish Centre.

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Anthony de Mello on How to Love - Part 3 of 3

The Final video of the only conference Father Anthony de Mello SJ allowed to be video taped. In this last of the series he breaks open our ideas of love and true charity vs. refined self-interest that often masquerades as selfless love.

Within his talk the words of Christ can again be heard;

" ‘Beware of practising your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. ‘So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you." Matthew 6:1-4

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Brother David Steindl-Rast, OSB Speaks About Prayer and Spiritual Direction

Brother David Steindl-Rast, OSB has devoted his life to peace and justice through the ministry of cultivating gratefulness and understanding among spiritual traditions. Originally from Austria, he has published many books including Gratefulness: the Heart of Prayer and his most recent, Deeper than Words: Living the Apostle’s Creed.

He co-founded the Center for Spiritual Studies in 1968, and received the 1975 Martin Buber Award for his achievements in building bridges among religious traditions. Together with Thomas Merton, Brother David helped launch a renewal of religious life. From 1970 on, he became a leading figure in the House of Prayer movement, which affected some 200,000 members of religious orders in the United States and Canada.

Today Brother David speaks about prayer, the gifts of spiritual direction, what to look for in a spiritual guide and what you might bring into your relationship with you spiritual director;

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Anthony de Mello on Prayer and Waking Up to Reality - Part 2

Part two in a three-part series of the only conference Father Anthony de Mello SJ allowed to be video taped. He continues his examination of this idea of coming to awareness of the goodness God places in our lives right here an right now, a goodness and grace that continues to abide regardless of what current physical or emotional state happens to be passing through us.

While not explicit in his examination, the words of Jesus' sermon on the mount are echoed;

" ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, “What will we eat?” or “What will we drink?” or “What will we wear?” For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

‘So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today." Matthew 6:25-34

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2 Weeks Only so Grabbit Fast! "What's Your Descision?" a FREE e-book from Ingnatian Spirituality.com

I found this offer in my email this morning. I've been subscribing to Ignatian Spirituality.com's e-newsletter for a few months now and the articles, links and information they send on have always been wonderful. This morning though, the offer of a limited time free e-book on discernment really caught my eye.

Ignatius' steps to decision making have been an invaluable tool for me in my life and in my ministry. It is a process which, as a spiritual director I have already helped a few others journey through in the process of making their own choices about the directions of their lives. This particular book has a lot to offer anyone in the process of making choices themselves, or for spiritual directors helping directees through the process of discernment.

Here's a exerpt from the first chapter. The download link follows;

When Wendy was a junior in high school, an epidemic of methamphetamine abuse swept through her small Ohio town. Several friends became addicted. One died in an auto accident caused by a driver high on meth. Many adults in the town became addicted and some lost their homes, businesses, and marriages. Several went to prison. Wendy knew people who tried and failed to break their addiction to this powerful drug. While still in high school, she resolved to do something about it. The desire to help drug addicts grew while Wendy was in college. She graduated with honors and went to medical school. Now she is a resident in internal medicine, specializing in substance abuse. She likes working with addicts. She’s impressed with new treatment approaches and wants to work as a physician in a drug and alcohol treatment facility. Such work doesn’t pay well, but Wendy doesn’t care about money. She wants to help addicts. Although she’s not a regular churchgoer, she does believe that there is inherent meaning to life—it’s not just a random set of circumstances. She has felt the stirring of a sense of purpose while working in her chosen field, and she has found that prayerful reflection helps a lot in the process of choosing that work. Wendy is in love with Robert, who is finishing his MBA. Robert wants to make money. He’s bright, energetic, and sought after by prospective employers. Now he is deciding among three attractive job offers: an analyst for a hedge fund, a position with a promising biotech start-up company, and a job with a multinational bank. Robert wants Wendy to marry him. He’s generous and kind, and Wendy feels deeply for him, but he doesn’t share her desire to help addicts. He’s tried to convince Wendy to go into a more lucrative branch of medicine. His philosophy is “Let’s get rich. Then we can do anything. We can start our own treatment clinic if that’s what you want.” Wendy is torn. Sometimes Robert’s attitude displeases her, but at other times, it makes sense. She loves Robert, but she realizes she would have to give up her vision of a future to marry him. What should she do? God Cares about Our Decisions How should Wendy go about making this decision? That’s what this book is about. Here we present a methodology for decision making that has helped millions of people make sound and satisfying choices.

About the Book:
Where should I go to college? Whom should I marry? Should I change careers? When—and where—should I retire? All of us have important decisions to make throughout our lives. Yet without a sound process in place for making key decisions, we are likely to question whether or not our final decision was a good decision; more to the point, we will never feel fully confident that our decision was what God truly desired for us.

What’s Your Decision? is a spiritual approach to decision making based on the insights of St. Ignatius Loyola. With the guidance of J. Michael Sparough, SJ, and Tim Hipskind, SJ—both of them experienced counselors and spiritual directors—readers will learn how to apply tried-and-true Ignatian ideas to the decision-making process.

And for two weeks only, download the entire book for free!

What's Your Decision?

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Anthony de Mello on Prayer and Waking Up to Reality - Part 1

The Late Anthony de Mello SJ was a renowned spiritual writer, director, and therapist whose work continues to inspire people with new vision and renewed understanding of the kind of reality God invites us all to share. He speaks of the kind if Truth-filled vision required to fully appreciate this kingdom of God which Jesus assures us is 'at hand' and has indeed 'come near'.

The question of course is "If this kingdom is so close, why can't I see it? Why am I still unhappy, unsatisfied, depressed or angry? If the kingdom is in our midst, why does there remain so much suffering in my life and the world around me?"

In a three-part series filled with deep spiritual and therapeutic insight as well as thought-provoking and entertaining storytelling, de Mello offers a simple, yet extremely challenging answer to these questions. The answer to perceiving and living in the kingdom "on earth as it is in heaven"? Wake up...

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Building An Awareness of the Presence of God

How can the words of a 17th Century monk have any revelance to my life, my journey in faith, my relationship with God today? I mean, we're talking about a completely different kind of world here. A faster pace, a more material culture, more worries, more stress, more anxiety, more distractions.

All this may be true to greater a greater or lesser extent in my life (and perhaps your own) and yet, I have always found something profoundly attractive about the way a simple, handicapped Carmelite lay brother in Paris approached his daily relationship with God.


Nicholas Herman, who was himself a humble footman and soldier in his youth was admitted into the barefooted Carmelites in the 1600's where he became known simply as Brother Lawrence. His conversion itself began at age 18 when, struck suddenly by the stark and dry appearance of a leafless tree standing lone in winter's cold, he became aware of how God would see to it that this lifeless form would begin to grow and sprout in verdant green come spring.

From that moment he grew daily in his desire to grow "eminently in the knowledge and love of GOD, endeavoring constantly to walk 'as in His presence.' "

One of my favorite stories regarding Brother Lawrence involves the lot he found himself in once accepted and working in the monastery in France. His personal attraction was to the out of doors, working in the gardens. He was placed to work, much to his chagrin, in the kitchens where his disability made work both in the kitchen itself, and in the markets where he must go to purchase supplies, extremely difficult and unpleasant. Recognizing that he had the potential for bitterness and dissatisfaction regarding his lot in religious life he remarks "...he said to GOD, It was His business he was about, and that he afterwards found it very well performed...having accustomed himself to do everything there for the love of GOD, and with prayer, upon all occasions, for His grace to do his work well, he had found everything easy, during fifteen years that he had been employed there."

Sometimes we find ourselves looking for God in the extravagant, the out of the ordinary, the remarkable.I may even convince myself that, for the most part, God is not active and concerned with the minute details of my living, and doing in the course of my days.

Brother Lawrence and the small series of conversations and letters he has left us as his legacy, offers us today, in our own time and space, a means of approaching every situation, every relationship, every moment of our days, as a constant conversation with our God who presence has never truly left our side;

The Practice of The Presence of God

Peace and God Bless

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