Categories: spiritual-journey
Date: 11 July 2010 05:24:33
Such a topic for a guided retreat could not help but appeal. So it was off to the Discalced Carmelite community in south-west Sydney, about half-an-hour from where I live, for the final weekend in June.
Much happened. Much unexpected happened.
Having tears flow seemingly unstoppably during the Sunday Mass as the final sentences in particular of the Gospel reading were read and then preached on being the most visible -- and which caused me to rush off afterwards not participating in the final lunch: it was rather intense.
Hearing the words, "Help him to love even those parts of himself he does not love", as part of a prayer and blessing I asked for during "Confession"; being non-Catholic I could not partake of the Sacrament of Confession/Penance, but sought a blessing -- and those words, that prayer, seemed to show such insight and touched my heart and spoke to me of one of my many struggles.
Spending time in quiet, be it walking the extensive grounds [avoiding horse and cow manure!], resting by a lake or under a tree with my Prayer Book or one of the books I was reading, or at meal time. Silence truly is a gift, but also a cause of much turmoil in my mind at least as thoughts race and swirl in my head. But in time, silence, if only for a while, was in my mind, and dare I say heart.
Attending the various services throughout the weekend.
Seeing, at at the first dinner talking to, the various people who came to this weekend -- different ages, places, nationalities...
And, of course, the fine talks given by Fr Greg Homeming. As an introduction, and reminder to myself [and perhaps a hope they may be of benefit to any who stumble across them], here are 8 points he gave to consider when discerning, together with a brief explanation from my notes. Please be aware they're not complete and may seem a bit odd if I have not put them in context, for which I am to blame. I'll leave it here for today.