Sometimes we see signs in most unusual places. At times these are obvious and we know what the message is, on other occasions less so. Now and then a stop sign is ignored, or rather missed, potentially inviting disaster.
We notice the large warning signs because they jump out at us. Shouting if you like … “Look out”, as the robot did in the early science fiction TV series with an automated declaration of “danger Will Robinson”.
Seeing signs of discontent in ourselves and others is often a marker that our inner peace is about to be broken. When it is broken, how do we try and mend it? These are questions that bedevil our spiritual life, particularly in places where we seem to have little control over the behavior of those around us. This sometimes makes us “compartmentalize” our feelings, and either ignore or tolerate the disturbances which are causing the problems.
Over the years, I have concluded avoidance is one of the worst traits we all have in these situations. We try and ignore the problem and then muddle along, all the time decreasing our inner peace, as the issues continue to niggle and disturb because of our avoidance.
Misinterpreting patience and endurance as good substitutes for not dealing with problems is unfortunately commonplace. While we recognize the problem, we don’t have the confidence or the courage to face it head-on. It is here we can rely on Christ.
The bible tells us to “Be Not Afraid” more times can we could possibly remember the verses. Why is this so commonplace in scripture? The answer is the peace of Christ is always close. We just have to accept it.
Look out for the signs of discontent in your life before they fester into a crisis because you have ignored the small signs. If you see a big sign, then the message has become clear. Just as you need to slow down on a mountain road, the need to align ourselves with God and the circumstances is the key to gaining back the inner peace.
It is always within our reach, as God, unlike Elvis, has never left the building. 

The Obvious Sign

“DANGER WILL ROBINSON”

Can we find ourselves lost?
A question for times when the compass seems broken, the roads are endless or unsigned.
Usually, the markers for direction have been on the path for a while,
Yet until the robot shouts “Danger Will Robinson” we seem unable,
Or unwilling,
To change the path.

To pause is to stay,
To stay is to listen,
To listen begets hearing.

And the Way is clear again.

THE UNBROKEN WORD

 

We often use the words goodbye and hello. For the most part, they are not words which we think about in the everyday world. They are just used as pleasantries, decorative to the beginning and end of a meeting or encounter.

However, when we truly consider their impact, they are the bookends of the community. Each time we meet with someone a new community is formed for that period of time. Sometimes only minutes, for example when ordering a coffee for a mid-morning jolt of energy. We probably don’t even remember if we said “good morning” before we placed the order, but probably added at least a “thank you”.

At a time when we enter into a special community, for a special event, things are different. Suddenly the meetings are meaningful, we have the time to dialog, to share experiences, make or renew friendships, or deepen the ones we already have. At these times the separation from these communities, such as at the end of a retreat, have a profound effect on us.

Then the hello seems like a wonderful beginning in the recent past; and the goodbye tinged with sadness. We long for what we enjoyed in community together and we wish it did not have to end. The French use the word au revoir, which means goodbye till we meet again. It is a soft landing and remembrance of the hope and intention of a return meeting, often with the desire that occurs soon. Perhaps they are onto something. If we look at those special meetings, wonderful times together in community with those we enjoy and love, then why not place these in the context of something which will continue.

The Unbroken Word is molded in this fashion; a means to stay together, be in contact, even if we have never said a hello except for the paper or smartphone you are reading it from. We all have a chance to savor the hellos and the goodbyes, but we do not have to think about them in any final way. The experiences of others affect us deeply, even when we sometimes do not recognize the impact.

So let us consider ourselves in a continuous community, as Jesus Christ wanted for his Church. We should say hello and au revoir without the pause at the end; knowing are united now, and will be forever.

Photo Title: Hello and Goodbye

 

 

 

THE FALSE HELLO

 

Another hello, said without thinking.

Why do I even greet this person if I don’t care about them?

What sort of person am I if I don’t.

 

Oh yeah, someone who is rude;

Others will notice me, deride me,

So I better say hello just to ensure that doesn’t happen,

Yikes, I just realized, saying hello to someone I don’t know is all about me.

 

Not about greeting them.

 

I wonder if others feel that way about me?

 

 

 

 

 

 

This week we held a Centering Prayer workshop at St. Eulalia’s. Aine Minogue, parishioner, world-famous Irish harpist and a contemplative Christian has been largely responsible for bringing Centering prayer to the parish last year. Thank you Aine for all have done, and continue to do for all.

During the process of preparing for the workshop, we got to spend many precious hours together discussing the content and some time reflecting on why this ancient prayer form is enjoying such a revival.

One reason is the openness, insight and support of pastors like Fr. Savage. Someone who truly understands there are many paths to the Lord and one willing to offer an ecumenical and interfaith welcome to all at the parish. It is one thing to say, All Are Welcome in the bulletin or on the website, it is another to actually practice it.

Centering Prayer, a prayer of Consent is enjoying a revival from its old roots. It is a form of Contemplative prayer, encouraging intimacy with Christ through silence, openness and a willingness to releasing the distractions of the world and the many thoughts which inhabit our minds.

It is not my intention here to just invite you to one of the two centering prayer groups now firmly established in the parish; but of course you are welcome to join. Rather, we have many ways to the Lord and St. Eulalia’s has a tradition of offering a multitude of them. Today you can find prayer groups, youth ministry, bible study, men’s and women’s groups, shawl ministry, food ministries, Fr. Savage’s lecture series, centering prayer, Eucharistic ministries, divorce and bereavement care, and more … An entire range of experiences for all the moments in our lives when we, or others may need them.

Today we can perhaps take a look at the bulletin activities, or better still the website, which has all the information for the current and the upcoming. There is a path ahead of us which has been paved in the parish, all we need to do is take it. Enjoy one of these groups, start a new group, invite someone to an existing group; someone in need of a friend, a smiling face, an invitation.

So we can honestly say the advertisement is true. All Are Welcome!