Some times I find that I am so far gone that I have to tear everything down and start all over. It infiltrates everything, like relationships or habits. I have recently been in a situation where I do not have access to a television. On the surface that sounds like a terrible ordeal but it has actually given me a new perspective. My quiet time has increased. So how have I chosen to spend this time? Well part of it has been consumed by work related tasks as I have started a new job. But a lot of it has been taken by more reading and most of that reading is spiritual in nature. I finally have the time to finish reading a lot of the books I have bought over the years. In addition, the quiet time is wonderful for reflection and listening. My conversations with God have become more pronounced and involved. It is a good thing and I am enjoying it for as long as it may last. There is song called Hurricane by Jimmy Neadham which perfectly expresses this sentiment. Jimmy calls on God to send in a hurricane to tear his walls down and remove his pride and fear. He pleads in the song to have God remove all of the barriers so the he can give himself fully to God. It is stunningly beautiful. For those of us who live with the threat of hurricanes, it is the perfect metaphor. We know firsthand the power that is unleashed by a hurricane. We often have bad habits, addictions, and problems that are so deeply rooted in our hearts that the only thing that can remove them is a hurricane-like force. That is the power of God. He will unleash His awesome power in order to allow us to have all of the walls torn down. These are the walls that the devil has helped us build. The walls that tell us that it is okay to do it just one time and then that turns into a lifetime of bad habits. Listen to Jimmy's song and let me know what you think. Hopefully, you too will ask God to send the thunder, wind and rain crashing down on you so that you can be cleansed and return to your relationship with God our Father.
I am just beginning to dive into the beautiful, ancient devotion to the Five Wounds of Jesus, and I wanted to share a bit of the journey with you. It can feel a little overwhelming at first to look at the Crucifix this closely, but I’ve found such a gentle guide in St. Bernard of Clairvaux . In his Jubilee Rhythm on the Passion, Bernard doesn't treat the wounds of Jesus as distant historical facts or sights to be avoided. Instead, he approaches them with the tenderness of a friend, speaking directly to the feet, hands, side, and face of our Lord. For someone like me who is just starting out, his rhythm teaches that prayer isn't just about reciting words; it’s a holy hide-and-seek. Bernard invites us to literally hide ourselves within these wounds, seeing them as clefts in the rock where we can find shelter when our own lives feel turbulent or heavy. As I start this process, I’ve been practicing what I call gazing and greeting. Following Bernard’s lead, I look at the Crucifix an...
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