Funeral mass this morning for the father of a friend. Different for me. Good service. I enjoy the Catholic focus on liturgy and the mass as opposed to the traditional Protestant focus on people's gifts, i.e. preacher, worship leader, prophet, etc.
I was able to enjoy God's presence, though the less-than-familiar surroundings were somewhat distracting.
Hung out with friends for a while and talked about some semi-fanciful dreams to travel together to some exotic places. Sometimes we all have the desire to just go somewhere. Maybe never return. As though some other place or situation would bring about the contentment that is alluding us in the moment. But even after some daydreaming together, we discussed the power of really being with God today, this moment, and enjoying who He is and what He has for us in the now. These are good friends. God's presence is in these kinds of relationships.
I am actually peeking at some of Ignatius' spiritual exercises thanks to Steve Bogner. His first exercises on reflecting on personal sin can be humbling and helpful when I am able to grasp my utter need for God without losing my sense of awesome value to Him. He needs to be very, very big, and I need to be very, very small without losing myself (to self-loathing, an equally loathsome sin) nor losing the wonder of who I am in Him.
I also continue to reflect on Carl Arico's challenge to live the spiritual life of prayer within the context of every part of life... including the graduation party that I am due to go to within the hour.
I'm glad you've found some value in Ignatius' writings. His words and thoughts have helped me develop my own spirituality.
Posted by: Steve Bogner | June 15, 2004 at 03:47 AM