The Center for contemplative practice
A Lay Cistercian Looks at Spiritual Reality
Month: September 2019
BIRTHDAY THOUGHT FROM A BROKEN-DOWN, OLD, LAY CISERCIAN
Here is what came out of my Lectio Divina meditation on my 79th birthday. That in all things God be glorified. –St. Benedict. Listen to the poem in silence and solitude. –A traveler in a foreign land
SPIRITUAL READING
Part of what it means to be a Lay Cistercian is a reverence for the word (lower case) that writers have for the Word (upper case) of God and how they interpret it. Cistercian authors advance the understanding of the Word by their words.… Continue Reading “SPIRITUAL READING”
A PRAYER BY THOMAS MERTON
Here is one of my favorite prayers from Father M. Louis (Thomas Merton), O.C.S.O. 6 months ago “My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it… Continue Reading “A PRAYER BY THOMAS MERTON”
YOU ARE RETIRED, NOW WHAT?
Several people around me, myself included, have retired from a regular job. Retirement affects each individual differently. The big question seems to be, can I keep busy doing something that is meaningful to me. Had I placed my job at the center of my… Continue Reading “YOU ARE RETIRED, NOW WHAT?”
WHERE ARE THOSE OLD WEDDING PICTURES, NOW?
When was the last time you looked at those old wedding pictures? Blow off the dust and take a look at them again. They transport you back to a time when you celebrated something wonderful, your marriage with each other and your reliance on… Continue Reading “WHERE ARE THOSE OLD WEDDING PICTURES, NOW?”
BLUE SKYS
Here is a story that brings to mind all kinds of spiritual linkages. It is one that I heard from my wife, a true story that is happening in our days. When meditating on Philippians 2:5, this blue sky story led me to places… Continue Reading “BLUE SKYS”
CONCENTRATED ORANGE JUICE
Try to drink this cup of the Mystery of Faith! It is like concentrated orange juice–very tasty but strong. I had to address this in one of my Lectio Divina meditations (Philippians 2:5). I warn you, this is way out there (out there is… Continue Reading “CONCENTRATED ORANGE JUICE”
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