|
"Faith Begins With Family"
Simeon took [the baby, Jesus,] in his arms and praised God, “Master, now you let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled. My own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people; a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of Israel.” This beautiful verse is part of the Daily Office or Breviary “Night Prayer” offered up for the spiritual and corporal welfare of our world, prayed by clergy and lay Christians alike throughout the globe. Imagine what Simeon must have felt holding this little babe in his arms. Anyone who has ever cradled a newborn in their arms surely cannot help but feel the energy of new life emanating from the helpless, small limbs in their hands; a living, breathing miracle; a tiny, vulnerable image of God. This is the beginning of our Faith, and how marvellous that it begins with a child, a child of human and divine descent, begins with a family! This is why family is such an important factor in our Faith. It is the building block of community, and we need to support it! It brings forth individuals with their own distinct personalities, gifts, and destinies; individuals whose call is ultimately to contribute to the growth and health of their families and their communities. Make no mistake: human beings are communal. They need each other to survive and thrive. Personal rights and liberties must be in a logical, sensitive balance with the needs of community, particularly in life and death situations. The contributions of individuals to community are critical for the harmonic stability within our world, to protect and nourish each other, and especially as Christians to love each other. Joseph, Mary and Jesus teach us what the “ideal” family is by the adversities they experienced being homeless, fleeing from Herod to protect their child, almost certainly living as refugees for awhile, then finding a humble residence in Nazareth, and raising a son, whose destiny they may not have known, but allowed to unfold. They loved their son, taught him their Judaic faith in God, supported his gifts and desires, and let their son follow his call. Family is caring, supportive of each other’s gifts, talents, and industry; resilient in the face of adversity, able to endure any challenges and difficulties, protective and resourceful, and above all humble and loving. The Holy Family teaches us all this. Do not confuse establishing, organizing and furnishing a house or dwelling with that of building a home. For many years, the ‘Ideal Homes Exhibition’ has taken place in Dublin, IR, but would be better described as the “Ideal Houses Exhibition”, a display of creative interior designs for well-appointed rooms and living spaces. A family lives in a home. That may be an apartment, a few rooms in a basement, even a boathouse; or perhaps an abandoned log-house used by families uprooted during the depression like my mother’s family was, or a humble tent planted beside others in a refugee camp. Home is where the heart is, or more truly, where love is. Parents and caregivers who teach their children the Faith, love them as God made them, and let them pursue their own destinies as God planned for them, can be confident they have done their work. Children who come to know Christ in their early years, will know Christ is with them always on their journeys, often promote Jesus to their peers, and even if they only recall this relationship with Christ later when life is challenging, they will navigate life well with Christian confidence. Also, psychology says regardless of the financial situation or stability of a family, as long as children are loved, they will usually be emotionally mature, secure, productive and loving of others. They need their parents and the love they receive. Be proud of the home you create for your family, however humble it might be. This Christmas many of our commitments are on hold because of the lockdown. As new beginnings emerge on Jan 1st, commit to saying ‘Grace Before Meals’, each day read a small passage of scripture or tell your children a story about Jesus, and teach them to say, “Good Morning, Jesus”, in the morning, and “Good Night, Jesus” when they go to bed. This is the most valuable life insurance we can ever give our future generations – our Christian Faith – that Christ is with them always. – Rev Fr Christopher Tracey, Saint Joseph Parish, Saugeen Shores, Ontario
0 Comments
"Merry Christmas St Joseph Parish"
Christmas is truly a high-point in our Christian Faith, the joyous, key event which gave birth, not just to our Saviour, but to the very birth of Christianity itself. Christmas is also a time for celebrating ourselves, celebrating the new life God gave us, his Children, through the birth of his Son. And we must celebrate life even in the face of difficulties, while celebrating the joy of our achievements and contributions to the world he created for us. One of those achievements was the birth of our beloved parish on Dec. 19th, 1970, only days before the birthday of Christ himself. Last weekend we commemorated our 50th Anniversary, a high-light of our Christmas Season and a high-point in our Faith journeys. More than a family of churches – St Joseph’s and St Patrick’s – and more than a religious community, Saint Joseph Parish is in fact a living being, striving to be like Christ, its founder, by contributing to the spiritual salvation of the world it lives in. And truly, it has done a marvellous job, thriving thanks to the dedicated, sincere work of her talented, caring, and committed parishioners. Another glorious achievement took place at Christmas time just 2 years before. On Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 1968, astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and William Anders, were orbiting through the darkness on the other side of the Moon, a first in the history of space travel. Just before the Apollo 8 mission launched, the crew was told they would be asked to ‘say something’, unscripted to the public who would be watching their journey live on television. The unexpected request left them feeling rather uncomfortable able what to do, until one of the astronaut’s wives suggested over a private radio communication what they might do, considering the season. While the largest television audience of all time watched, including myself and perhaps many of you here, this is what Borman, Lovell, and Anders did to even the surprise of the staff at Cape Canaveral: Bill Anders: "We are now approaching lunar sunrise, and for all the people back on Earth, the crew of Apollo 8 has a message which we would like to send to you. 'In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.'" Jim Lovell: "And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day." Frank Borman: "'And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters he called the Seas: and God saw that it was good.' … And from the crew of Apollo 8, we close with good night, good luck, a Merry Christmas -- and God bless all of you, all of you on the good Earth." God, Thank You for sending us your Son. Thank You for giving us life with all its complexity and diversity. Thank You for giving us the strength and ingenuity to tackle anything which confronts us or beckons us, even if it be the desire to see and reach out across the universe of which you have made us stewards. Thank You for our children, our families, our friends and our neighbours. Thank You for our parish which continues to thrive through all manner of challenges. Merry Christmas to you, Saint Joseph Parish, on our birthday. As Tiny Tim once said, “God Bless you everyone”, and may he keep you well and safe in his embrace. – Rev Fr Christopher Tracey, Saint Joseph Parish, Saugeen Shores, Ontario “Preparing to Join the Lord with Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading)”
Final Part 4: Contemplatio (Contemplation) It was the seventh day of lockdown, in fact, the Fourth Sunday of Advent, when John decided to turn off the TV, shutdown his cell, even put down all the books and magazines he had lined up to read on the table next to his easy chair. His department at the plant was also completely closed, so he had no work to do. John was on his own, wife and children unfortunately locked down in the big city two hours away. He needed to stay close by the plant in case of any emergencies. Meanwhile, Zoom and FaceTime calls cheered him up, but he greatly missed the distractions of his kids, and the comfort and love of wife and home. Today, he sat in silence, taking stock of his life, which was a good life, but asking himself why God would let such a miserable, life-and-death circumstance like a pandemic happen to him and the rest of the world. Suddenly, he was reminded of the YouTube mass videos his parish was posting, and the Advent homilies his local priest was giving on this contemplation thing called: divine lectures? Frankly, he was fairly skeptical about it. It all sounded too unbelievable to him, stuff only the saints experienced. “God or Jesus talking to me? I don’t think so.” Although it was supposed to be much better than Zoom. Frustrated with his situation with God and the world, but now equally curious about this lecture thing? – (Lectio Divina), he went to the parish’s main website, found the pastor’s ‘Blog’, and read his latest homily series on how to do it. It said, “First you read a passage from scripture”. He decided he might as well use today’s gospel about the ‘Annunciation’. It was in the ‘Living With Christ’ his wife had left him on the sofa table, hoping he just might read it. Normally, he didn’t fuss over the Bible, but at least Mary was human. When she had this unbelievable experience with an Angel telling her she would be the mother of Christ, it was still something ‘human’ beings could relate to. And, so, he began to read, straight through, then a second time, then again, but slowly now, words standing out at him. For some reason, the end of the gospel bothered him: “Let it be done to me according to your word.” He kept mulling over it, realizing this must be the Second Part, the ‘pondering’ part of the pastor’s directions. In fact, it bothered him so much, in his thoughts he started angrily questioning God: “How could anyone just accept anything dealt them without asking, ‘Why are you doing this to me?’ How do you just let something happen to you without complaint or asking questions? Isn’t that crazy? Look at this pandemic thing. We didn’t ask for it. Why should we be just complacent, like it’s nothing at all, and we’re happy to suffer?” Clearly, John was already in the Third Part: asking God about a certain word or phrase. But something strange and unexpected started to happen to John. It overcame him like alpha waves as he sat with his eyes closed. It was calming his brain, his breath, his heart rate. He felt a tremendous peace embrace him, a euphoria flow through his mind as his thoughts dissolved away. Then he heard a gentle voice speaking to him: “You suffer to learn, John. God is love. God loves you enough to allow suffering to develop your spiritual wisdom by experiencing it. All his gifts to you are gifts of love: challenges and blessings, adversity and grace, all to increase your soul. Even suffering is a gift of love. Do not be afraid; only believe. Unlimited trust and acceptance of him who can do anything eclipses anything the material world offers. Do not worry about things of this world. Simply accept situations, knowing the God of Love is guiding and nourishing you for a special reason. Mary knew suffering was part of what she accepted. All mothers know childbirth can be horribly painful, risky, and difficult, yet they know a gift of love waits for them. Ground and strengthen yourself with a supernatural, spiritual outlook on life which far exceeds the natural. And remember, John, you are never alone. I am with you always.” After this Fourth Part, the final, true contemplative part of his lectio divina prayer came to an end, once God released him, John walked for hours in the quiet streets, along the lake-shore, even across a field laden with snow, still in a euphoria. John would still complain about suffering, but now it was only pretense, because, like Mary, he had experienced some kind of connection with his Creator. He couldn’t explain it. But it didn’t matter. The experience was developing his soul’s wisdom, just as his suffering in life was. He realized all too clearly God is in control, not us. So, the Final Part of the instructions was easy: God simply took over as John let go. – Rev Fr Christopher Tracey, Saint Joseph Parish, Saugeen Shores, Ontario “Preparing to See the Lord with Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading)”
Part 3: Oratio (Address) Mary stands at the doorway of their humble home, savouring the warmth of the bright sunlight falling across the threshold. She has just finished putting away the cheese and bread and goat’s milk from their early morning breakfast. She takes pleasure in knowing her mother, Anne, will be pleased to see the cups and plates washed, drying on the wooden trestle table. She has also swept the ashes and crumbs from the floor into the crackling fireplace. But now the garden beckons her with its mix of wild flowers and bright coloured vegetables, the garden where she still cannot fathom what happened to her the day before. She picks up a jug of water and begins to feed the dry ground around the tall plants, marvelling at the complexity of their creation, their blossoms and seeds which bring forth such magnificient new life. And she thinks of the mysterious, new life, a divine seed, now growing and forming within the garden of her own soul. Her life, her entire being, has been completely transformed by the visitation and the embrace of the Holy Spirit the day before. And in such a profound way, she finds it extremely difficult to describe to her parents, Anne and Joachim. Yet, it did happen. She knows the bliss and rapture of being in complete union with her Creator. Now, nothing else matters. All things of our world vastly pale in comparison with God’s. Her life is now a vessel of happiness beyond human comprehension. She will never be, nor want, anything less than to be in constant union with God. Sorrow and challenges will certainly come. Mary knows in her heart the great sacrifice her Son will make. But Mary would say, “Once you feel the actual presence of God come over you, your whole life’s purpose will change, enhancing your work and relationships, but only relationship with God will truly matter! As she sings the Great Magnificat: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord. My soul rejoices in God, my Saviour,” God IS Our Saviour! Not ‘warrior nor conqueror’ as the Jewish nation had longed for – but Our Saviour! Mary’s Joy rings out, because she acknowledges with deep satisfaction and relief that only God is in control, the One who saves us with omnipotent, spiritual power: healing us, guiding us, protecting us, bringing us true peace. No amount of money, prestige nor security will ever bring us the true fulfillment in life Christ brings us. Only Christ brings true Joy into our existence! Mary knew this! Experienced it! Sings of it! Rejoices in it! Her heart is filled with Joy as she begins a new life of remarkable service to God. It is what we especially celebrate today: Joy! The Joy of being privileged to know Christ. The Joy of being a Christian! In Vol. 1 of ‘In Conversation with God’, Francis Fernandez tells us, “We will have difficulties, … but whether they are great or small, these contradictions will never be able to destroy our [joy] and happiness [in God]. We have to expect setbacks as part … of life. … We [would] have no opportunities at all for growing in virtue, if we had no obstacles to overcome. … Christ knows everything which is going to happen in our lives, including those things which will result from our stupidity or lack of sanctity. But he has the remedy for them all. … Our lady knew many such contradictions when she came to Bethlehem. … But these problems did not cause her to lose her Joy when God became Man, and dwelt among us. … With Jesus, we find meaning in our lives.” God is our Saviour and Joy is what binds us together in relationship with him. But can we experience the same euphoria and exultation Mary did? The same overwhelming Joy of union with God? This is a key reason why we want to learn to pray the 4 steps of ‘lectio divina’, or the Contemplative Prayer of ‘Sacred Reading’. The first week we read a scripture passage quietly, slowly, several times, even over several days. This past week, we meditated upon a phrase or even just a single word which might have stood out for us, moving us to ask, ‘Why is it so prominent?’ It is here we enter Step 3: Oratio, asking God for feedback: “God, why is this phrase or word speaking to me? What am I to learn from it? Can you assist me?” This week, over the coming days, ask the Lord in this very same way for guidance. And don’t be surprised if God answers, perhaps in a way we don’t expect: Step 4! – Rev Fr Christopher Tracey, Saint Joseph Parish, Saugeen Shores, Ontario “Preparing to See the Lord with Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading)” Part 3: Oratio (Address) Mary stands at the doorway of their humble home, savouring the warmth of the bright sunlight falling across the threshold. She has just finished putting away the cheese and bread and goat’s milk from their early morning breakfast. She takes pleasure in knowing her mother, Anne, will be pleased to see the cups and plates washed, drying on the wooden trestle table. She has also swept the ashes and crumbs from the floor into the crackling fireplace.
But now the garden beckons her with its mix of wild flowers and bright coloured vegetables, the garden where she still cannot fathom what happened to her the day before. She picks up a jug of water and begins to feed the dry ground around the tall plants, marvelling at the complexity of their creation, their blossoms and seeds which bring forth such magnificient new life. And she thinks of the mysterious, new life, a divine seed, now growing and forming within the garden of her own soul. Her life, her entire being, has been completely transformed by the visitation and the embrace of the Holy Spirit the day before. And in such a profound way, she finds it extremely difficult to describe to her parents, Anne and Joachim. Yet, it did happen. She knows the bliss and rapture of being in complete union with her Creator. Now, nothing else matters. All things of our world vastly pale in comparison with God’s. Her life is now a vessel of happiness beyond human comprehension. She will never be, nor want, anything less than to be in constant union with God. Sorrow and challenges will certainly come. Mary knows in her heart the great sacrifice her Son will make. But Mary would say, “Once you feel the actual presence of God come over you, your whole life’s purpose will change, enhancing your work and relationships, but only relationship with God will truly matter! As she sings the Great Magnificat: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord. My soul rejoices in God, my Saviour,” God IS Our Saviour! Not ‘warrior nor conqueror’ as the Jewish nation had longed for – but Our Saviour! Mary’s Joy rings out, because she acknowledges with deep satisfaction and relief that only God is in control, the One who saves us with omnipotent, spiritual power: healing us, guiding us, protecting us, bringing us true peace. No amount of money, prestige nor security will ever bring us the true fulfillment in life Christ brings us. Only Christ brings true Joy into our existence! Mary knew this! Experienced it! Sings of it! Rejoices in it! Her heart is filled with Joy as she begins a new life of remarkable service to God. It is what we especially celebrate today: Joy! The Joy of being privileged to know Christ. The Joy of being a Christian! In Vol. 1 of ‘In Conversation with God’, Francis Fernandez tells us, “We will have difficulties, … but whether they are great or small, these contradictions will never be able to destroy our [joy] and happiness [in God]. We have to expect setbacks as part … of life. … We [would] have no opportunities at all for growing in virtue, if we had no obstacles to overcome. … Christ knows everything which is going to happen in our lives, including those things which will result from our stupidity or lack of sanctity. But he has the remedy for them all. … Our lady knew many such contradictions when she came to Bethlehem. … But these problems did not cause her to lose her Joy when God became Man, and dwelt among us. … With Jesus, we find meaning in our lives.” God is our Saviour and Joy is what binds us together in relationship with him. But can we experience the same euphoria and exultation Mary did? The same overwhelming Joy of union with God? This is a key reason why we want to learn to pray the 4 steps of ‘lectio divina’, or the Contemplative Prayer of ‘Sacred Reading’. The first week we read a scripture passage quietly, slowly, several times, even over several days. This past week, we meditated upon a phrase or even just a single word which might have stood out for us, moving us to ask, ‘Why is it so prominent?’ It is here we enter Step 3: Oratio, asking God for feedback: “God, why is this phrase or word speaking to me? What am I to learn from it? Can you assist me?” This week, over the coming days, ask the Lord in this very same way for guidance. And don’t be surprised if God answers, perhaps in a way we don’t expect: Step 4! – Rev Fr Christopher Tracey, Saint Joseph Parish, Saugeen Shores, Ontario Preparing to Meet the Lord with Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading)”
Part 2: Meditatio (Meditation) “Prepare Ye, the Way of the Lord!” John the Baptist shouts above the crowd gathered around him. And that is exactly what we are doing in these coming weeks. Last week we celebrated lighting the Candle of Hope. This Sunday we light the Candle of Peace, peace for our world, for each other, and peace for our inner soul. Indeed, it is a good thing to prepare ourselves, as we discussed last Sunday. It is important to exam ourselves: take note of our situations; check out our dispositions and temperaments in the face of trouble and difficulties; importantly, take stock of what we have done in the way of providing love and support to our families, our neighbours, communities, and even ourselves. Are we doing what we can to bring peace into the world we live in, and into our inner hearts? The prayer of Contemplative Prayer, which we can experience through the prayer of Lectio Divina and which we continue to educate ourselves on today, is what our Church truly wants us to strive for. This prayer will enrich us with inner peace, and consequently bless each other with peace, in ways we can only imagine. Those who practice contemplative prayer will tell you: “There are no words to describe it. One needs to experience this glorious “letting go, and letting God” for one’s self.” So, again, the 4 steps involved in praying lectio divina are: 1) Lectio or “Read”: reading a scriptural text; 2) Meditatio or “Meditate”: pondering upon the text; 3) Oratio or “Address”: appealing to God for feedback; and 4) Contemplatio or “Contemplate”: dissolving into total, silent awareness of God now in control. This past week we were looking at a favourite or randomly selected brief passage from one of the gospels. We were not to analzye it, but only read it quietly, slowly, in silence, several times, even over several days. As it settled inside us, a phrase or even just a single word may have stood out for us, and began to tease our thoughts. We might think of reading our passage as observing a giant field of corn or wheat, or a beautiful, vast garden of colour, spreading out before us. As we take in the breathtaking view, a certain stock of wheat catches our eye as it waves in the wind; or a certain flower nods its head at us, grabbing our attention. This is the word or phrase beckoning you to consider it, to meditate over it. This is Step 2: Meditation, our homework for the coming week. But what is ‘Meditation”? In the case of ‘lectio divina’, the mystics say meditation is a deliberate ‘pondering’ or ‘wondering about’ the message emerging from the phrase or word beckoning us. Here are some pointers to help us to meditate: 1. It’s important to know Meditation is Not a ‘tuning-out’ of our mind, nor seeking to stop our mind from being active; nor trying to move beyond our thinking process, such as in the Eastern religions which have a somewhat different approach. Rather, in Christian meditation, we call it ‘calm thinking’, focusing on one idea, in this case, what is speaking to us from our scripture. 2. In doing so, we seek the ‘middle ground’ of our thinking, not negating our thoughts entirely, nor allowing our minds to be overwhelmed by them. Instead we just focus on the word or phrase, returning to it each time we are distracted. When we start feeling distracted by other things, forgive yourself, be kind to yourself, and simply refocus on the word or phrase. We are all victims of distraction, that endless ‘chatter’ in our minds called ‘monkey-mind’. Do not be discouraged or surprised by the fact you may have to refocus and redirect your thoughts many, many times. 3. Meanwhile, think about what this word or phrase means to you. Ask yourself, “How might God be using it to communicate with me?” Perhaps there are images or memories associated with it, which God is using to connect with you, comfort you, instruct you, heal you, or simply just to be present with you. 4. If you feel moved to respond to God or ask God about this word or phrase, then you are ready to shift into Step 3: Asking God for answers, direction, or guidance. But we will look at this next week. … For now, we meditate! In the meantime, as we move forward into Advent, preparing for Christ’s second coming, we might ask ourselves something: What if he’s already come? What if he is already here among us? Something to think about, until next week. – Rev Fr Christopher Tracey, Saint Joseph Parish, Saugeen Shores, Ontario “Preparing to Meet the Lord with Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading)”
Part 2: Meditatio (Meditation) “Prepare Ye, the Way of the Lord!” John the Baptist shouts above the crowd gathered around him. And that is exactly what we are doing in these coming weeks. Last week we celebrated lighting the Candle of Hope. This Sunday we light the Candle of Peace, peace for our world, for each other, and peace for our inner soul. Indeed, it is a good thing to prepare ourselves, as we discussed last Sunday. It is important to exam ourselves: take note of our situations; check out our dispositions and temperaments in the face of trouble and difficulties; importantly, take stock of what we have done in the way of providing love and support to our families, our neighbours, communities, and even ourselves. Are we doing what we can to bring peace into the world we live in, and into our inner hearts? The prayer of Contemplative Prayer, which we can experience through the prayer of Lectio Divina and which we continue to educate ourselves on today, is what our Church truly wants us to strive for. This prayer will enrich us with inner peace, and consequently bless each other with peace, in ways we can only imagine. Those who practice contemplative prayer will tell you: “There are no words to describe it. One needs to experience this glorious “letting go, and letting God” for one’s self.” So, again, the 4 steps involved in praying lectio divina are: 1) Lectio or “Read”: reading a scriptural text; 2) Meditatio or “Meditate”: pondering upon the text; 3) Oratio or “Address”: appealing to God for feedback; and 4) Contemplatio or “Contemplate”: dissolving into total, silent awareness of God now in control. This past week we were looking at a favourite or randomly selected brief passage from one of the gospels. We were not to analzye it, but only read it quietly, slowly, in silence, several times, even over several days. As it settled inside us, a phrase or even just a single word may have stood out for us, and began to tease our thoughts. We might think of reading our passage as observing a giant field of corn or wheat, or a beautiful, vast garden of colour, spreading out before us. As we take in the breathtaking view, a certain stock of wheat catches our eye as it waves in the wind; or a certain flower nods its head at us, grabbing our attention. This is the word or phrase beckoning you to consider it, to meditate over it. This is Step 2: Meditation, our homework for the coming week. But what is ‘Meditation”? In the case of ‘lectio divina’, the mystics say meditation is a deliberate ‘pondering’ or ‘wondering about’ the message emerging from the phrase or word beckoning us. Here are some pointers to help us to meditate: 1. It’s important to know Meditation is Not a ‘tuning-out’ of our mind, nor seeking to stop our mind from being active; nor trying to move beyond our thinking process, such as in the Eastern religions which have a somewhat different approach. Rather, in Christian meditation, we call it ‘calm thinking’, focusing on one idea, in this case, what is speaking to us from our scripture. 2. In doing so, we seek the ‘middle ground’ of our thinking, not negating our thoughts entirely, nor allowing our minds to be overwhelmed by them. Instead we just focus on the word or phrase, returning to it each time we are distracted. When we start feeling distracted by other things, forgive yourself, be kind to yourself, and simply refocus on the word or phrase. We are all victims of distraction, that endless ‘chatter’ in our minds called ‘monkey-mind’. Do not be discouraged or surprised by the fact you may have to refocus and redirect your thoughts many, many times. 3. Meanwhile, think about what this word or phrase means to you. Ask yourself, “How might God be using it to communicate with me?” Perhaps there are images or memories associated with it, which God is using to connect with you, comfort you, instruct you, heal you, or simply just to be present with you. 4. If you feel moved to respond to God or ask God about this word or phrase, then you are ready to shift into Step 3: Asking God for answers, direction, or guidance. But we will look at this next week. … For now, we meditate! In the meantime, as we move forward into Advent, preparing for Christ’s second coming, we might ask ourselves something: What if he’s already come? What if he is already here among us? Something to think about, until next week. – Rev Fr Christopher Tracey, Saint Joseph Parish, Saugeen Shores, Ontario 0 Comments |
Father's Blog
Rev. Fr. Christopher Tracey
St. Joseph Parish Pastor Archives
January 2022
|