If anyone is interested, here are my notes from last night's lecture at St. John the Baptist R.C. Church. I didn't do any formatting here - if you want a Word document instead just send me an email - deaconhynes@gmail.com. peace!
Spirituality 101 - N. Erie Vicariate Lenten Lecture Series
St. John the Baptist Church
7:30 PM Monday, 22 March 2010
PART 1
PRAYER – reading St. Cyril of Alexandria [Tues. 5th Easter]
Deacon – new people – hi father, correct … bishop!
Review “languages”/spiritualities
Fr. Martin – Carmelites – contemplative
Fr. Monaco – Franciscans – creation
Ms. Kinney – Salesians – God’s will
Mr. Smith – Dorothy Day – social justice
SPIRITUALITY IS AWARENESS OF GOD’S LIFE GIVING BREATH.
Do not leave the Spirit out of it!
John 20
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked,
where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came
and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you."
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. (Jesus) said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the holy Spirit.”
Coptic blessing in Cairo – breath
ADAM
PENTECOST
Breath of God, LIFE, Spirit Chrism?
We humans are both body and soul. That what a great spiritual life is about – integrity of body and soul.
Spirituality is NOT soul food! It is people food. BODY & SOUL!!!!
Non Sumus Angeli story…
That’s the Catholic understanding of spirituality (mystical theology). -- integrity of B&S
INCARNATIONAL!
APPROACH
Matthew 13:52
Then every scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like
the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old."
Lead in
Catholic devotions (B&S integrity) – can rank your new devotions!!!
Liturgy of the Hours – PSALMS, doxology bow Rosary
PART 2
HANDOUT Classic Devotions
[Note how well they fit the definition of spirituality as integrity of body and soul]
Lectio Divina SACRED TEXT, SEEN OR HEARD
Eucharistic Adoration SEE THE LORD!
Akathist Hymn “NOT SITTING”
Jesus Prayer KOMBOSCHINI, BREATHING [Way of a Pilgrim]
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner.
Angelus BELLS, WORK. TIME
V. The angel of the Lord announced unto Mary.R. And she conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary...
V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.R. Be it done unto me according to your Word.
Hail Mary...
V. And the Word was made flesh.R. And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary...
V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray: We beseech you, O Lord, pour your grace into our hearts, that as we have known the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ by the message of an angel, so by his cross and passion we may be brought to the glory of his resurrection; through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer of St. Ephrem PROSTRATIONS [Russian use 12 bows before repeating]
O Lord and Master of my life,
give me not the spirit of sloth, idle curiosity (meddling), lust for power and idle talk
.
But grant unto me, Thy servant, a spirit of chastity (integrity), humility,
patience and love.
Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see mine own faults and not to judge my brother.
For blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Praying with Icons, Images, Art/Music/Poetry SENSUAL ASPECTS [read line Hopkins]
Using Incense SMELL & VISUAL [sacrifice, soul]
Fasting and Feasting -- Fridays and Sundays respectively TASTE
Saints and Angels – daily Mass MAKE THEM REAL; our FAMILY
Prayer of Sensitivity/Blessing OTHER PEOPLE AS SIGNS FROM GOD
PART 3 cautions
Oprahfication of Spirituality
Be wary when it is disconnected from religion (true not just of Catholicism)
i. Charles Taylor quote
Be wary if it is primarily self-serving
i. Relaxing?? Focus?? Mental health??
Be wary of broadened, slippery definitions
i. Meditation = sit quietly [no Jesus, God]
ii. Retreat = simply rest, or work more secular work (business world)
1. KENOSIS for us, Ignatius Loyola retreat not passive
iii. God = essential equals YOU!!!
Spirituality is not a hobby
1st commandment Jewish tradition – all the rest are commentary
What are your priorities?
He is not going to fit into your free time! God requires sacrifice.
God’s time is NOW. What are you waiting for?
i. STORY – cherry pie Walter/wife…for the funeral breakfast!
Not all comfort! Minor keys/love is sacrifice
Cross/Resurrection = descriptive AND proscriptive
Cross to carry too
Dark Night of the Soul
Purification
Much given, much expected
Watch your diet!
Who are you listening to?
i. Bingo ladies? Football buddies?
ii. Fox News? MSNBC? CNN?
iii. NY Times? Talk Radio?
iv. Your political Party?
v. Facebook? Nasty emails? Gossip?
When does Christ and His Church get your attention?
i. Scripture/Tradition
ii. Fathers and Doctors of the Church
iii. SOCIAL TEACHING!
Sin exists. Deal with it!
CHESTERON QUOTE “I am.”
Certain things are unacceptable to God
Particular examen
i. Both types – commission AND Omission
1. Not bad DOES NOT EQUAL being Good!!!
Be Reconciled! not just confession, not just penance
Jesus’ HEALING miracles -- Body AND soul
PART 4 recommendations
Be Liturgically Aware
microphone story
Pay attention
Be in touch with the Holy – Moses’ sandals/Jesus temple curtain/person next to you
EASTER VIGIL!!!
Crash some sacraments – weddings, baps, confs…
Lighten Up!
Wife story - deacon Mass, annoyed week after week…
Rich young man -- spiritual masters agree, stuff owns You, not the other way around
i. Get your estate in order!
ii. Spiritual advice – perspective
Smoke when I’m praying? No
Pray when I am smoking. Of course! You can pray anytime.
“angels fly because they take themselves lightly!”
Walk more
Walking makes you healthy, observant, and close
i. Wife/I Queens – “you see that bridge way, way down there…when you get there you still got a long, long way to go!” wife’s grip tightened, faster
ii. Kenya mazungu story “touch me”
Pilgrim people – Stations of the Cross
The Way - processions
Journal
Note the ups/down of your spiritual journey
Bicyclists – “real” cyclist when you love going up the hills as much as going down
Retreat
Formal retreats
Prayer corner, icons – daily mini-retreat
Use Church’s post-it notes – i.e. reminders –
medals, statues, pics… religious goods store here!!!
Think like a Missionary
Christmas gifts – holy things, grandma/grandpa
Tell them, invite yourself! USE YOUR CATHOLIC GUILT (“your treat!”)
i. How do Catholic moms change light bulb? Don’t worry I’ll sit in the dark!
Hold hands - witness in Pre-Cana sessions Be Seen!
Listen to the” angels” in your life!
your wife
Faith Sharing Group
Spiritual director/starets – look for humility & wisdom (not necessarily credentials!)
Find someone to Thank everyday!
i. Mother Teresa Letter
Talmud Story
i. Every blade of grass has its angel that kneels down & whispers…GROW! Grow!