We are coming up to the first anniversary of the Centering Prayer groups formation at St. Eulalia’s. During the past three weeks I have introduced Centering Prayer to over 200 retreatants, most of which were experiencing Centering Prayer for the first time. Even to some experienced “traditional” prayer warriors, the results have been unexpectedly good.

The basis for Centering Prayer appears to have been borne in the desert Fathers such as John Cassian in the 3^rd century. Cassian headed to the desert with the intention of separating himself from the world, and with the intention of being alone with God in silence. Scripture also forms a powerful basis, the suffering and prayer of Jesus Christ in the garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prays let it be done according to your will, not mine. Jesus offers up Himself fully to His father, surrendering his will and offering his intention to the desire to comply and rest in the will of God. This is a prayer of consent, the basis of Centering Prayer.

Philippians 2:5 talks also of putting on the mind of Christ as a key means of us bringing ourselves close to the Lord. Centering prayer is steeped in this model, as the prayer requires us to consent to the action of the Divine in our lives. A prayer without agendas, supplications or engagement of the intellect. We offer ourselves simply to be in God’s presence and consent, openly to His presence.

The anonymous author of The Cloud of Unknowing provides a blueprint from the 13^th Century on the specifics of this prayer form, and how beneficial it can be to all other prayer forms. Centering prayer does not replace any other prayer form, but can help deepen the prayers you are currently engaged in.

If you are interested in learning more about Centering prayer please contact Louise Cucuzzo or those leading the prayers groups listed in the bulletin and on the web site.

Some books which may be useful to read are Open Mind, Open Heart, by Thomas Keating and The Loving Search for God by William Meninger, two of the three major founders of the modern Centering prayer movement.

There is a large supermarket of prayer forms and spiritual guides (the saints) in the Catholic Church, perhaps as you head into winter you might want to try some of these out for Advent. There are many ways to meet God and Centering prayer is just another one we have available to us.

Perhaps you should try it.

WAITING

Waiting. Waiting.

Waiting is not a dead time.

A waste of time.

An extended moment of impatience.

As if life only starts after it has passed.

XXXX

Rather waiting is an opportunity for reflection.

Take it today.

Perhaps no other issue is likely to have a great effect on the congregations of the Catholic Church in the USA than the sexual abuse scandal. Recent events now illustrate that investigations, repercussions and follow on actions will have a profound impact on all forms of communication with everyone currently engaged with the Church, regardless of their role.

Renewal from the bottom, not the top

There will be many attempts in the coming months and years to implement whatever systematic change is needed to bring “credibility” back to the Church on this topic. A wise priest, a pastoral advisor at the seminary in Boston, describes this as a two-generation process. He might be right. So, in the meantime, as we don’t have two generations to wait, we need to do something that might have an impact now.

In reading much of the expressions of regret/guilt from the leaders of the Church there is a sense we are not going to “the Foot of the Cross” as per Cardinal Wuerl, just asking for forgiveness, but are in some cases using the Cross as a place to hide behind. Forgiveness is necessary and needed, but it does not change things for the future. In some sense leaders are trying to protect their legacy, excuse themselves, which may be understandable, but not helpful. It does not reassure us if changes are not made.

Having just moved to California from the parish, the staff here had been caucusing to see what we might do directly. Here are three points which I think fit beautifully into the character of St. Eulalia’s, (a parish near Boston, MA) which I will admit has informed the model in use here at the retreat center.

1. A Sacred Space. Making each mission, the team and its focus tied directly to the spirituality of the Jesus Christ as the reaffirming message. Always ensuring we keep the mission focused the sacredness of our location, the gifts, worship practices and tools in the parish. One where others can bring the message to each other and those who need to hear it. We are all evangelists.

2. A Safe Space. Our individual locations need to be “overly” safe places in terms of any activity we offer from a spiritual or support perspective. This of course goes without saying, and should be a given for everyone, but will need to be emphasized for the many ministries which involve the vulnerable in the parish.

3. An Open Door with Open Minds. The global Church has messages which are sometimes divisive and dualistic in nature. With reducing flocks in the USA, there needs to be means where others can connect with Catholic Spirituality without rules and regulations being the first thing we present to someone.
Therefore, methods for “preaching and evangelization” should perhaps be considered at just as important as the homily from the pulpit, or a presentation during a formation program. Exploration of new means to present the message in contemplative and accessible forms may help us reach others at the beginning of their journey, where they may not have made it to the Foot of the Cross, but as still struggling down a path which will ultimately lead them there.

There is hope, and, with Christ in us, we are the bearers of this gift.

Late Afternoon Light

Late afternoon sun provides heat without the burning,

Light without squinting,

An unshaded warmth.

As if peace was airborne.

To hold and caress me.

Recently I heard a recording from a Fr. Richard Rohr presentation called the “Beginners Mind”. It reminded me of how a child reacts to the world. When we arrive in a room with small children, the child looks for the adult with a smile, the one who is open and friendly. The simple detective work of one hunting and searching for love.

Children detect hostility, unfriendliness and those who are unauthentic in a way which is beyond words. Their agenda is simple, there is no agenda. No duality in their thinking, just looking for the one who is most friendly, open and willing to love. Come play with me is mostly present in their eyes.

How much of this can we learn again in our own relationship with God. How many have fallen prey to following the tradition rather than the love. Our Catholic tradition without love is meaningless. Particularly if we start to “preach” tradition in a way that divides us from others, rather than unites us in the community of God; the Body of Christ. The Church universal.

We sometimes need a reminder the word Catholic means universal. For us this is universal love, and there is nowhere we can feel and hear that word more soundly than in the love expressed by a child. A child cannot fend for themselves, they survive only with love. So do I. Without love I am nothing, just someone looking for a cave to dwell in with a warm fire and a loving friend.

The loving friend we seek is the same one the child in the room opens their heart towards. The love expressed by the adult in the room filled with the grace of God. And one willing to communicate it freely, willingly with the smile which requires no repayment. Just gift. Pure gift.

Let us return to the “Beginners Mind”, let us unlearn the prejedices and offer ourselves openly to listen to others, even offer love to those we dislike; without scowl or pretense. The child in us all brings us back to the Beginners Mind, a time when we did not judge, but loved.

And sat silently on the floor waiting for God to come and play with us. Forever.

BE READY LIKE A CHILD

Be ready like a child,

For learning is simple when we accept

For belief with a child’s mind

is like simple addition.

The result is pure and right.

XXXX

“you are children of the light and children of the day.”

Thessalonians