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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/
Commissioning Service
St. Luke’s Institute
August 20, 2014
THIRST +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
The story is told of a young student who went to
his spiritual teacher and asked the question, "Master, how can I truly find God?"
Ø
The teacher asked the student to accompany him to
the river that ran by the village and invited him to go into the water
Ø
When they got 2 middle of the stream, teacher
said, “Please immerse yourself in the
water”
Ø
The student did as he was instructed, whereupon
the teacher put his hands on the young man's head and held him under the water
Ø
Immediately the student began to struggle
Ø
The master continued to hold him under
Ø
The student began thrashing and beating the water
and air with his arms
Ø
Still, the master held him under the water
Ø
Finally, the student was released and shot up
from the water, lungs aching and gasping for air
Ø
Teacher waited for a few moments & then said,
Ø
“When you desire
God to the same level you just desired to breath, then you shall truly find
God"
Ø
Thirst and water are two of the most powerful
spiritual symbols in all of scripture
RIVERS OF DEATH à
RIVERS OF LIVING WATER ++++
Ø
Jesus is very aware of their power
Ø
There are ways to be present in a river
Ø
Ways for it to be a river of living water rather
than a river of death
Ø
It takes the ability to stay afloat in it, to
learn to navigate it, to harness its power and energy
APPLICATION ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
Unfortunate it takes near drowning 4 us 2 realize
R need for God and how water can be life-giving
Ø
That realization can come from R time here at
SLI
Ø
Thank God there are places and persons – & love
& support of confreres that pull us out fr under & afford us
life-giving air and a new lease on living
CONCLUSION ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
As we bid Steve and Bill a fond farewell, we are
very aware of our part in their breathing again, in their harnessing of the
river for life
Ø
We challenge them 2 return to ministry and serve
others as they themselves have been served
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
