Daily HOMILY for March 5, 2014: Ash Wednesday, Cycle A

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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/

Ash Wednesday

Joint Mission of St. Athanasius and St. Rose

March 5, 2014

LENTEN LONGING ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  Since childhood many wanted Lent to be a special

Ø  A response to the longing within us

Ø  Disciples had same longing & went 2 J & asked how 2 pray effectively

Ø  Gospel J tells them: “Go 2 your inner room, close door, & pray 2 your F in secret & Father who sees in secret will repay you”

Ø  Today, tomorrow & Friday looking at this way J responds to those who ask

Ø  How do we enter this “inner room” where we’re “alone w/ F in secret?” & how will we “B repaid?”

OUR INNER ROOM +++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  R joint mission of St. A’s & St. Rose will B about this “inner room” prayer & how it can create a community that can flourish

Ø  How to get into R “inner room” 2B w/ F & how 2 move out of that room into action that can make a difference

Ø  That’s the topic of R 3 days together

Ø  Now 2 give U a taste of inner room, like 2 offer you a five-minute experience of inner room prayer

INNER ROOM PRAYER +++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  1^st I’d ask U is 2 not sabotage HS’s work by your thoughts, like: “What’s he doing?” “This isn’t me” “Am I doing it right?” “I’m not getting it”

Ø  When they arise 4 next few minutes – & R sure 2 – just put chatter aside so you can B here w/ me & HS 100%

Ø  Deal or no deal?

Ø  2^nd thing, 2 make a little space between yourself & next person. Get comfortable

Grounding ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  Relax, breathe deeply and slowly.

Ø  Think of yourself as a big golf umbrella, breathing in it opens up; breathing out it closes. In / out. Opens, closes.

Ø  Continue to breathe.

Ø  Try to be as silent and still at you can

Synchronization +++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  Next, take two words “Inner room” & synchronize them to your breathing in & out

Ø  Inner / Room, Inner / Room

Ø  When you are comfortable, drop the words, drop thinking about your breathing

Ø  To tell God your ready, just say word “F” or “J” & think of self as floating into God’s presence

Distractions / thinking +++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  When distracted by noise, coughing, or HVAC, when you begin thinking about things, return to words “Inner Room” and the breathing

Ø  Again, when comfortable, say the word “J” or “F” 2 self & float into G’s presence

Ø  We’ll all be still for a full 5 min until chime sounds

REFLECTION +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  In twos or threes share on

o   Were the two tools helpful?

o   What was your shimmering phrase?

o   How did you handle distractions and thinking?

o   Most important: Describe the experience

o   How did it feel?

PITCH REMAINDER OF MISSION +++++++++++++++++

Ø  You’ve completed 1^st of 3 evenings of R mission

Ø  Been introduced to “inner room” where Jesus assures us we’ll encounter the F

Ø  Tomorrow evening from 7:00-8:30 we’ll deepen experience of inner room & Friday see how G the F “in secret will repay you.”

Ø  Bring a friend who longs 2 prayer more effectively

Ø  I look forward to having you with us

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++