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In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute. Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more: https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/
In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute. Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more: https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/
Monday 4th
Advent
St. Luke
Institute
December 23,
2013
BIRTH OF A BABY +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø Zechariah asks for a tablet and writes, "John is his name," and all are
amazed
Ø Immediately his mouth opens, his tongue is freed,
and he speaks, blessing God
Ø
It seems that when God wants an important thing
done in this world or a wrong righted, God goes about it in a very singular way
Ø
God doesn't release thunderbolts or stir up
earthquakes
Ø
God simply has a tiny baby born, of a very humble
home, of a very humble mother
Ø
And God puts the idea or purpose into the
mother's heart
Ø
And she puts it into the baby's mind, and then –
God waits
BABIES AS A SIGN
OF HOPE ++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
I’d suggest that the great events of the world may
not be battles, elections, earthquakes, or thunderbolts
Ø
The great events are babies, for each child comes
with the message that God is not yet discouraged with humanity, but is still
expecting goodwill to become incarnate in each human life
Ø
In every birth – our grand nieces and grand
nephews – God re-creates all of us
Ø
In every birth, God gives us reason to hope in
the future
Ø
In every birth, God breathes new life into
humanity
THE HOPE
FORESTALLED ++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
But we also know from personal experience that
the infant and the child in us can be wounded
Ø
The child in us can be scared and the promise
forestalled or stunted
Ø
Through tender and loving care of others, as well
as our own self-care, this inner child can be healed and the promise renewed,
reestablished
CONCLUSION
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
Zechariah and Elizabeth welcome their son John
into their lives and embrace the promise that God has entrusted to them.
Ø
As they do, may we cherish our children and the
child in us as gifts of hope for ourselves and our church
Ø
May we be committed to caring and nurturing of
the child within us all
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
