Our Lady of the Holy Rosary — St. Richard Catholic Church

Our Lady of the Holy Rosary-St. Richard Catholic Church

NOVEMBER 18, 2018 - 33rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

HAVE A VERY BLESSED THANKSGIVING

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SAFE RELEASE OF LEAH SHARIBU AND OTHERS WHO ARE HELD CAPTIVE BECAUSE THEY REFUSE TO RENOUNCE THEIR CHRISTIAN FAITH

"When I was a child, I used to talk as a child, think as a
child, reason as a child; when I became [an adult], I put
aside childish things. At present we see indistinctly, as in
a mirror, but then face to face. At present I know
partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known.”
(1 Cor. 13:11-12) 

"WIPING THE MIRROR CLEAN"

What “way” or path do you follow to lead you to God?

The early Christians called following Jesus Christ “The Way,” for it is a Way of seeing, experiencing, and living in the world “but not of the world” (See Jn 15:19; Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22; ). Jesus “is the way, the truth, and the life” (Jn 14:6) who, through the power of the Holy Spirit, leads us and all people of God (the Church) to experience and live the underlying reality of God in each moment—a reality of love, joy, peace, justice, compassion, mercy, forgiveness, healing, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, hope, and salvation.

According to Jesus, God’s reality is already “at hand” (Mt 3:2; Mk 1:15). It is not something we create anew, but it already exists. “The [reality] of God is within you” (Lk 17:21). We are called to allow the Spirit to transform our self-centered thoughts and ways so as to experience God’s reality within the depth of our being. God’s reality is to be lived and manifested through us to others. In turn, we are to be open, aware, and recognize that God’s reality also dwells in others and in all creation.

Our usual way of seeing the world is similar to a mirror fogged up with our self-centered thoughts, desires, and ways for uncontrolled pleasure, possessions, power, prestige, and the like. This fog prevents us from seeing ourselves clearly as being united in oneness with God and with God’s creation. “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?...Therefore, glorify God in your body” (1 Cor 6:19-20). We are called to continuously “wipe the mirror clean” by dying each moment to our self-centered thoughts, desires, habits, and ways and allowing the Spirit to transform and resurrect us to new life in Christ and to God’s underlying reality sustaining all existence.

How do we do this? We begin with the desire to be transformed and to align ourselves with God’s will. We surrender our mind, heart, and soul to the indwelling Spirit. We consent to allow the Spirit to show us those desires, thoughts, habits, ways, and actions that prevent us or others from experiencing God’s reality.

The Spirit may transform us through the silence of our mind and heart in prayer, through our participation in the Sacraments, Mass, reading and meditation on Scripture or other spiritual writings, through our awareness and self-reflection, or through other persons or situations we may encounter. It takes desire, trust in God, a humble and contrite heart, self-discipline, and time dedicated to daily prayer at a time and in a place that is quiet and free of distraction. It is through our surrender to God’s grace that this transformation can and will occur. Over time, we will begin seeing and experiencing God’s reality more clearly.

Reflect on Your Experience

What daily practice or discipline do you follow to allow the Spirit to transform your thoughts, habits,ways, and actions to see and experience the reality
of God in your life and in the lives of others?

"Spiritual Practices"

"Prayer" (Bishop Robert Barron)

Thomas Merton - Contemplation

"Christian Spiritual Practice" (Joseph Mitchell, CP)

"Is God the Center of Your Life" (Fr. Mike Schmitz)

The Lifelong Journey of Discovering God and Ourselves: Thomas Merton and the True Self"

How Can I Improve My Prayer Life" (Fr. John Bartunek)

"Ignatian Contemplation" (Fr. James Martin)

"Give Thanks"

"Gather Us In"

"Table of Plenty"

"Catholic Spirituality in Practice" (Boston College)

"The Spiritual Disciplines"

"Ten Ways to Deepen Our Relationship with God" (Archbishop Chaput)

"The Ego vs. The Spirit"

Advent and Christmas Resources 2018-2019

Other Prayer Resources

Social Services and Other Charitable Resources

Other Resources on Catholic Social Teaching

If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at: aff@hrsrcs.org