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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/
3rd
Wednesday in OT
St. Luke Institute
January 29, 2014
4 MIND STATES +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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In praying over today’s Gospel I looked at 4
kinds of earth into which God’s word is planted
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I tried to give them meaning in terms of my own
emotional & spiritual life since those are very pertinent to our life here
at SLI
CLOSED MIND ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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The 1st is the closed mind
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The “wayside” = narrow footpaths beside the fields
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When seed fell on footpath, couldn’t penetrate soil
& remained there in open, 2B devoured by birds
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~ I’m there
when I cannot make connection between claims of Gospel & my own life
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I cannot see how Gospel holds any value for me
CONFUSED MIND ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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The 2nd is the confused mind
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Stony places covered by thin layer of soil, common
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Seed cast here germinates & quickly springs
into promising plant
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But, w/o depth, sun beats down on tender plant &
it withers & dies w/o any fruit
Ø
Me when I’ve an emotional response to Gospel &
get caught up am willing 2 give it a try but unwilling 2 nurture insight by
sharing in sm grp
CLUTTERED MIND +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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The 3rd is the cluttered mind
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Soil like it’s ready to be sown, but roots
beneath
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Seed sprouts w/ all other weeds & thorns,
choking tender shoots
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It’s me when I want both the benefits of the
Gospel while clinging to past life of fantasy
Ø
Best of ambitions can’t survive w/ divided
heart
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Often I begin well & think I can court two
loves!
CULTIVATED MIND ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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In the 4th we have the cultivated
mind
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Earth that’s been prepared & cultivated
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The seed has been allowed to be seated deep w/i
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It’s a field that is nurtured and maintained
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It’s here committed to R therapy, working &
supporting 1 another
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It’s hearts that challenge, forgive, &
nurture
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It’s God’s grace operative & bringing to
fruition
CONCLUSION +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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G causes believer 2 begin 2 bear fruit 4 glory of G
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Am’t of fruit = work of G’s grace as uses us 4 glory
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
