Holiness in our Midst: Session 134

SESSION CXXXIV: ON RENEWAL

Story Circle Prompt: How do you find renewal in times of crisis?

I find renewal in contemplation and silence. I am always reconnected to my gifts and to others when I enter meditative time to draw closer to the Living Christ. I have had the privilege of getting to know my spiritual mentor in this practice, Father Bob Dufford, internationally known Jesuit priest and songwriter. I wrote this poem after spending time with this gentle soul whose songs, such as, “Be Not Afraid,” and other lifework embody oneness with Christ:

God is Not a Spigot

God’s generosity and favor is not a spigot,

To be turned off and on

By whether you are

Saying the right words,

Holding the correct beliefs,

Doing all manner of well-intentioned good deeds,

Or even fulfilling your artistic gifts.

No,

God is a Self, desiring closeness with Your Self,

That you might work through your life plans and challenges,

In intimate relationship with the Being,

Who created the vast Universe,

With You in mind, From the beginning of Time.

FOR PERSONAL/JOURNAL REFLECTION:

1. Read the above reflection. In your journal, answer the question: When was the last time you truly went on a vacation? Where did you go? Who were you with?

FOR GROUP STUDY: 

 1.   Read aloud Session CXXXIV.

  2.   Ask each person to answer the Story Circle Prompt.

Holiness in Our Midst: Sharing Our Stories to Encourage and Heal is a monthly on-line feature created by Janis Pyle to facilitate sharing of our personal experiences, thoughts, beliefs, and spiritual practices with one another, especially through stories. Barriers are broken down when we begin to see all persons, even those with whom we disagree ideologically, as sacred and constantly attended to by a loving Creator. Each column is accompanied by a “story circle” prompt and study guides for personal and group reflection. To share your stories, contact Hannah Button-Harrison at communications@nplains.org. Janis Pyle can be reached at janispyle@yahoo.com