Today, we remember St. Ephrem who was both Deacon and Doctor of the church. A man born a Christian at Nisibis somewhere around the year 306. He was ordained a deacon and exercised his office throughout his country and Edessa, where he founded a school of Theology. Never relaxing his ministries of preaching and writing books to confute the errors of his day, he died some time in 373.
Looking at one of his sermons, here is a man clearly seeing the beauty of wisdom and desire to be of the spirit like the Lord Jesus.
Here are some excerpts:
Lord, shed upon our darkened souls the brilliant light of your wisdom so that we may be enlightened and serve you with renewed purity…
Teach us to find our joy in your favor! Lord, we have within us your memorial, received at your spiritual table; let us possess it in its full reality when all things shall be made new…
Savior, your divine plan for the world is a mirror for the spiritual world; teach us to walk in that world as spiritual men…
June 09 2009 | LOTH and saints | No Comments »
I found the process to have been the most unique experience I’ve ever encountered. On the drive home, Julia mentioned to me, that I should write a blog entry about it, so here I go.
Friday, we arrived around 11:30am and the first thing was to deliver our 5 page essay. It was a labor of love for sure, because it was going to be a large factor in our overall evaluation. I want to say, everything experienced about this weekend was–in my view–to relax us.
My exam group talked for awhile, each sharing their lecture observations and pastoral experiences over the last year. We then broke up for awhile, for some independent study and reflection. Prayer was certainly central for me and perhaps everyone else.
It was an anxious time for me, despite being told that the faculty was there to help us. For me, I just felt that “self-imposed” pressure to do well. I think this is because I know how hard they must have worked preparing for and instructing us. So, you feel this need deep inside, to reciprocate the effort in kind. It wouldn’t be until after midnight, that I would finally lay down to sleep. Even at that, I awoke early the next morning with my mind swimming in thought and images.
Getting up to shower, I left for an early walk along the beach. A particularly gray morning, but it didn’t seem to matter as I prayed. The birds chirping and gentle breeze, I felt the Lords presence which seem to say, “Al, move what you’ve learned from your head to your heart…”
You know, it made perfect sense, and as I read over the questions, my answers flowed from my heart and I felt peaceful.
As I started up the staircase and I ran across my friend Salvador. We chatted a moment and I asked him, “Como se dice–to speak from the heart–en espanol?”
He replied, “Hablar con el corazon..”
I knew that was my theme and how I would respond. Head to Heart, that term in discernment called, “affectivity”.
My group prayed together before going into the Library, where our synthesis would take place. It was comfortable and I think we all began to relax. Soon, our stories would come out and I would be amazed at how well each complimented the other. The time that I first thought would be impossible to fill with content, was actually filled with plenty.
They gave us a small review that let us know what they liked about our presentations, and we were given the rest of the day to relax and enjoy. I took another walk along the beach just to be outside, but instead found myself immersed in prayer, thanking God for the experience of our Aspirancy year and seeking his blessing on the remaining Aspirants undergoing their synthesis. I wanted to be close by and supportive of them.
Looking back over the year, I learned much about myself and my classmates. We formed a community and in many ways, became closer through this experience. Maybe a better picture would be a piece of fabric woven and pulled tighter and made stronger and colorful. Our time in prayer and study revealed much about each of us as children of God, and how he works in and through us bringing love about and sharing it with others. We learned what our presuppositions reveal about us. How by our own admission, “what we don’t know” in fact leads us to the gate and opportunity of learning. How these new “starting points” are absolutely necessary if we are to grow.
So, as we all separate to enjoy a brief moment of summer respite, my prayer is for you all be safe in your summer recreation of mind and spirit and relax.
I look forward to our gathering for our August retreat.
Peace and Blessings,
June 08 2009 | formation | 1 Comment »
Tonight we prepare for our presentation and synthesis of our Aspirancy year. We heard a sample of what to expect from our professors. They were given a question to talk about and in the same format we’ll see tomorrow. Pretty interesting indeed. I feel much better now.
We just wrapped up the 2nd group study time block. I think at this point we’re as ready as we’ll ever be. I know if this is God’s purpose for me, the door will open. I’m more than okay with that. It’s been a wonderful experience and I learned a lot about discernment and how to make the best possible decision for me and my family.
I feel nothing but gratitude for the gifts God has given me.
Christ Jesus, lead me along the path you’ve ordained. Bless our class and faculty, and may your will be done.
Amen.
June 05 2009 | formation | 2 Comments »
Today, we remember St. Ephrem who was both Deacon and Doctor of the church. A man born a Christian at Nisibis somewhere around the year 306. He was ordained a deacon and exercised his office throughout his country and Edessa, where he founded a school of Theology. Never relaxing his ministries of preaching and writing books to confute the errors of his day, he died some time in 373.
