iCrucified

 [28JULY2011]

Monastic Notes (Pt.10—June 29^th 2011)

(Continuing to share my experiences at the Pecos Monastery: writings from my journal; June 19^th – July 17^th 2011…)

(Pecos: Day 10—June 29^th 2011)

The Lectures—

Today’s lectures explored the question, “What is Spiritual Direction?” While the two daytime sessions where rudimentary, they weren’t boring. I was able to “connect a few more dots” and fill in a few more blanks from my personal studies through the past few years. I am thankful for the guidance I have been given with regard to building my personal library and organizing my reading schedule for the next coming months and year. I should give kudos to our lecturer today for providing an after-hours informal Q&A session where the students were encouraged to ask their questions that may or may not have been related to the day’s lectures. Pat (our speaker) talked at length about some of the more practical and logistical details involved with the ministry of spiritual direction that I did find very helpful.

Some highlights from the day’s notes follow:

• The ministry of hospitality sets the tone (atmosphere) for Spiritual Direction
• We “empty” ourselves in order to create a place of “welcome” for others to enter into; we create space for a holy place where others might share our soul.
• As spiritual directors we honestly and effectively welcome people into our heart
• We strive to help people find the “thin” places (where heaven and earth converge) in their world of dailyness
• Always pray with intentionality and expectation—participate with the Trinity in “Trinitarian Love” (Oneness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—John 17)

Personal Reflections and Recollections…

I’m on a roll… Today was another great day! The experience here at the monastery continues to be rich on so many levels; from the communal experience and atmosphere to the individual kairos conversations that occur every day, each moment continues to be an extension and enveloping of God’s sacred Presence. I am awed. I am blessed. There is a part of me that genuinely feels at home here, but in reality I know that I am not. I know deep in my soul that God has a specific place, work, and people to be with and this is my reality. I continue to pray with laughter and tears for this place and day that I know as real in my heart to become the reality of my life. I will continue to live surrendered to His time and His way of getting there. This is the essence of trust and the truth of what Kairos is… “God’s appointed and special time.” Amen.