Our spiritual lives are a constant interplay, a dynamic process. At the heart of this dynamic interplay are several interdependent pairs of seeming “opposites,” such as activity/receptivity, consolation/desolation, and detachment/attachment, which are, in fact, mutually interdependent.
- Kay Northcutt, Kindling Desire for God, 103
Activity is how we shape the world. We mold, influence, nudge, suggest, and close the sale. We build and plant, teach and learn, tear down and raise up. Our identity is tied up in activity. As soon as we meet someone, we want to know what they do. What would today be like if you considered part of your activity to be sacred? What would the day be like if some of your “doings” were dedicated to God? Active spiritual practices include visiting the sick, clothing the naked, feeding the hungry, and working for justice. They also include singing in the choir, attending meetings, setting up potluck dinners, and writing birthday cards for your parish group. Shape the world today, as you usually do, but also shape it in the image of God.
Receptivity is how we see the world. We observe, listen, watch, taste, touch and smell. But we are receptive not only with our physical senses; we also open our minds and spirits, becoming receptive to insights, epiphanies, and revelations. It can be hard to receive instead of do. What would today be like if you sharpened your spiritual nerve endings and became more receptive to the holiness around you? Receptive spiritual practices include contemplative prayer, lectio divina, devotional reading, silence, fasting, prayer groups, and labyrinth walking. Be receptive to the world today, not only with your physical senses but also open with the eyes and mind of God.
Along the way, I wish you God’s peace for today’s stage of your Lenten spiritual journey. May Christ’s companionship bless you with confidence for the day, comfort you in trouble, and put a spring of joy in your step.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
A Daily Lenten Devotional: Ash Wednesday
The Gift of Discernment
Some people have a true gift of discernment. They can seize what is essential in a complicated discussion or a confused story. They are quick to understand what is really needed and at the same time, if they are practical, they can suggest the first steps towards putting people on the road to healing. Some people in a community who do not have an important position may have this gift of light for us. We must learn to listen to them.
- Jean Vanier, Community and Growth, p. 253
Think about our church community and, sometime today, ask God in prayer who has a gift of light for you. Whose discerning eye casts light on something in your life? Their light may be broad or focused, subtle or bright. It may shine on something you haven’t seen before. It may shine on something you see all the time, but from a different angle so you see it in a new way.
Name that discerning person in your prayer, receive their gift to you in your heart, and notice the difference it makes in your day. If you see that person today, thank them for what they’ve helped you to see.
I wish you God’s peace on today’s stage of your Lenten spiritual journey. May Christ’s companionship bless you with confidence for the day, comfort you in trouble, and put a spring of joy in your step.
Some people have a true gift of discernment. They can seize what is essential in a complicated discussion or a confused story. They are quick to understand what is really needed and at the same time, if they are practical, they can suggest the first steps towards putting people on the road to healing. Some people in a community who do not have an important position may have this gift of light for us. We must learn to listen to them.
- Jean Vanier, Community and Growth, p. 253
Think about our church community and, sometime today, ask God in prayer who has a gift of light for you. Whose discerning eye casts light on something in your life? Their light may be broad or focused, subtle or bright. It may shine on something you haven’t seen before. It may shine on something you see all the time, but from a different angle so you see it in a new way.
Name that discerning person in your prayer, receive their gift to you in your heart, and notice the difference it makes in your day. If you see that person today, thank them for what they’ve helped you to see.
I wish you God’s peace on today’s stage of your Lenten spiritual journey. May Christ’s companionship bless you with confidence for the day, comfort you in trouble, and put a spring of joy in your step.
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