The Center for contemplative practice
A Lay Cistercian Looks at Spiritual Reality
Month: November 2020
WHOSE CHURCH IS IT?
WHOSE CHURCH IS IT? The Church is the visible manifestation of God whom we cannot see. The Church, or gathering of believers, is the living Body of Christ on earth, but also those living in heaven, and also those awaiting purification. Many humans only… Continue Reading “WHOSE CHURCH IS IT?”
SEEKING GOD EVERY DAY
YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU ARE GOING TO MEET THE HOLY SPIRIT Recently, I went to Starbucks, B.C. (before COVID-19), to get a cup of my favorite brew. By chance, I found myself standing in line with a friend of mine from Good Shepherd.… Continue Reading “SEEKING GOD EVERY DAY”
ARE YOU GUILTY BECAUSE YOU CAN’T GO TO CHURCH?
THE CHURCH IS A GRAND GATHERING OF ALL THOSE GATHERED THROUGHOUT TIME WITH ONE CHRIST AS THE HEAD The Church Triumphant is a gathering of all those whom God has accepted as sons and daughters of the Father. The Church Militant are those of… Continue Reading “ARE YOU GUILTY BECAUSE YOU CAN’T GO TO CHURCH?”
WAKING THE SPIRIT
As the saying goes, “Be careful what you wish for, you may get it.” Contemplation is all about the resignation of self to let the Holy Spirit overshadow you. In reality, the term, “waking the Spirit” is a misnomer, an attempt by human words… Continue Reading “WAKING THE SPIRIT”
have you ever thought of…
I get random thoughts throughout the day. Some of them are just “out there” and have no connection to what I am thinking about at the time. Here are some of these thoughts. Have you ever thought of Purgatory as something where humans are… Continue Reading “have you ever thought of…”
poetry in the silence and stillness of winter
As I usually do each morning, and today is no exception, I sit down to my computer, recite my Lectio phrase to begin my practice of contemplation, “have in you the mind of Christ Jesus,” then wait. Whatever comes my way, I try to… Continue Reading “poetry in the silence and stillness of winter”
VOICES
One of the challenging topics that Lay Cistercians discussed at the Gathering, on October 11, 2020 was that of voices in our minds that say things. Once a month Lay Cistercian novices, juniors, and professed members, meet to pray together, share the Holy Spirit… Continue Reading “VOICES”
HOW TO PLAY IN GOD’S PLAYGROUND
HOW TO ORGANIZE AND FOCUS ON THE LIFE OF CHRIST SEEKING GOD EACH DAY IN ALL THAT COMES MY WAY The following pages are samples of the horarium (hourly agenda) and Internet sites that I use to organize my day as a Lay Cistercian.… Continue Reading “HOW TO PLAY IN GOD’S PLAYGROUND”
MONASTERY AND LAY CISTERCIAN PONDERINGS
I share with you what I have received via the Monastery of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit, Conyers, Georgia, and also from the Lay Cistercians (with permission). Blessings on you this day. Remember, peace is not the absence of conflict but rather the… Continue Reading “MONASTERY AND LAY CISTERCIAN PONDERINGS”
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