Finding Rest

Seeking rest from a busy public life. Asking for wisdom in the service of Love above the desire for riches, comfort or revenge.
How do i use my time for prayer?

A great site from the Jesuits of Ireland spreading joy via the internet: prayer and meditation link Sacred Space

Oremus:
I pray that in all the noise and distraction, all the pressures external and internal, that we can each find a moment of rest, peace and quiet. And that we can use that moment for prayer, prayer for others, for ourselves, for thanks. Amen.

Deo gratias.

A Stable and Healthy Society for All

Archbishop Smith of Southwark wants to stress 'the importance of marriage and family life in building a stable and healthy society' and urge catholics to take on the British government's plans for same-sex marriage.

A holy sacrament versus recognition of union, this battle cannot end well, me thinks.

If a relationship is given formal recognition its chance of survival is better. Sex among singles both young and old seems the name of the game until wedlock and even then people cheat, prostitution thrives, divorce is frequent. King David we read had many concubines. Many popes had mistresses. By far most of the damage occurs in heterosexual relationships! Especially when children are involved: their parents are their greatest rolemodels. I would sooner have more effort in creating a stable and healthy relationship at any level!

While the Roman Church is busy defending the sacrament, namely a copywrite on the word 'marriage', they are turning their back to many, many people for whom Christ's words and deeds could bring comfort and hope and the courage to act responsibly in their own personal lives. It is a political fight that seems based on fear and outrage. Of course marriage is important in creating stability. Same-sex Catholic couples are not expecting a holy sacrament, i would hazard to declare, but rather equal recognition, formal recognition and respect for their efforts that can create a basis for stability.

The alternative?

Of that i've seen enough of over the years: pain, separation, stigmatisering, hate, substance abuse, suicide, et cetera. And that's just with the straight folks. Can't we just give 'marriage' a new name?

Oremus:
I pray for all those who enter into a relationship with love and determination to weather the storms, to delve into the meaning of caring and sharing, to be as one. I pray that society can find a stable place from which to support these people on their journey. I pray that by supporting love in a relationship society can reap the benefits as a whole. Amen.

Deo gratias.

A Prophet Without Honour

Given enough time and distraction people can create new fads, new norms and new laws. Sometimes i think that over the centuries Rome has piled law upon law just as Judaism piled law upon law. The end is the same, namely, distraction. Of course, the argument is that these laws can bring society closer to the Truth, but the Christ came and daily struggled with defenders of Law, trying to remind them, to set their feet back on the truest path to the Lord. They killed him.

Rome and its administrative councils, curia, leaders, resist changes of the times as merely trends that can bring chaos, unnecessary discussions and weaken the framework of their mandate. Yet over the past 2000 years, Rome resembles nothing like the original Churches as set up by the apostles. Times change, circumstances change, we say. The Roman State embraced Christianity. Power. Wealth. Status. Some fled into the dessert such as St. Anthony. We have numerous schisms, such as the Orthodox and Protestant. When one chooses Jesus, which vehicle best suits the pilgrim who seeks Truth?

Each is valid? This is a modern conception and only recently has Rome grudgingly accepted this political view.

Or does one act locally and speak globally? Joining a church group, one chooses to grow in an environment which feels most right. Sounds commercial, me thinks. Who's got the best advertising? Best music and speakers? Sounds like a recipe for acting on whims, emotions and bling, me thinks. As for global numbers, the only sheep Jesus counted was the one that got lost.

Proudly following the traditions of the family is an option, unless as an individual one believes that these traditions are not helpful, such as in a family of non-believers or non-practitioners. In today's gospel we read that Jesus is amazed at the lack of faith in those people in his home village.

A prophet is not without honour except in his native place among his own kin and in his own house (Mk 6:4)

How does one continue ones path? To daily confirm ones faith, to seek re-union with the Father, to maintain the necessary vigilance for leading a good life and to embrace the divinely offered grace in such a way that one can share it with his neighbours through forgiveness, kindness and prayer? With a stilled mind and heart, I pray the Holy Ghost might light the way ... or at least give me a tip.

Oremus:
I pray that all Christians are reminded daily what it is to be a Christian, even if the outward appearance of our faith differs. Amen.

Deo gratias.

Serve All and Love All

After almost exactly a year to the day i left my month long retreat in the temple in Thailand, i have started meditating again. Sitting, legs crossed, it feels like slipping into a worn and familiar pair of shoes. I pray and acknowledge my motivation to empty my Self of the momentary noise that fills my mind, to be empty that i may receive. Receive? Be filled by the gift that we all share, namely the Holy Ghost.

Buddha, "the Awakened One", chose to actively attain enlightenment, the long climb out of suffering to behold that which is beyond, freedom of suffering. There are no short-cuts. One must walk this path alone being fully aware of ones motivation. God might do it for us if we beg enough, pray enough, give enough, but me thinks we are all expected to walk the path to happiness in this mortal life, changing our lives and those around us. He guides. He comforts. He speaks when we beg, pray or give and even speaks when we least expect it. He lets us know that the path we choose is true. In fact, if we are open to Him, He's everywhere and in everything.

If we are open. Is my cup already full of daily stress, noise, responsibilities, vanities or Self concern? Or do i purposefully create space in my heart and mind for Him? Going to mass helps. The other sacraments can help. Being aware of God's Laws can help. Faith and grace and hope can help. Meditation is a tool that helps me.

Buddha's goal was simple, namely to let men free themselves of their suffering. He said a lot more, too, but the essence remains the same. Parable upon parable. And while civilisations built religions around his words, the simple method is True. He never explained nirvana precisely, but rather invited each man to go and see for himself; do not waste time on discussing that which cannot be described in human words, but seek that which must be individually experienced; by seeking, by traveling that route of inner preparation, enlightenment shall be at hand. Before the Christ, mankind knew of God. And some realised that our time here is short and precious. And some were not blinded or thrown into despair by all the suffering they witnessed. They saw love and sought it out ... sought Him out.

And still do.

Enlightenment is surely looking upon the face of Love, and having seen Him and understanding Him, returning to daily life with all it's pains and joys, laziness and passions, grieving and noise, to serve and love?

Oremus:
I pray for daily direction in my actions and thoughts that these may be less selfish. I pray that my heart and mind can be open to all those around me, that i might not pass any opportunities to share. I pray for the strength and courage to be aware of my motivations, that i might better walk in the light of the footsteps of our Teacher, the Son of Man, the face of God. Amen.

Deo gratias.