Spirituality for the Long Haul Spiritual but not

Spirituality for the Long Haul

Spiritual. . but not Religious What does this mean?

Spirituality – A Misunderstood Concept • Everyone using the word and saying: “She is a spiritual person. ” • To many, it means “She goes to church a lot, prays, interested in other than worldly things. ” • To many, it means she is RELIGIOUS – playing by a set of rules made by institutions based on Scripture and/or Tradition • A very large group of people say “I am spiritual but not religious. ”

Spirituality is about the Essence of LIFE “We are NOT human beings struggling to be spiritual. We are spiritual beings struggling to be human. ” Teilhard de Chardin • Within all of us is an unquenchable FIRE that makes us incapable of ever coming to full peace – WE ARE FOREVER DRIVEN by a restless desire • Everyone has a spirituality – either life-giving and life-destroying • Spirituality is about what we do with that fire or desire. Fr. Ronald Rolheiser “Spirituality is the way we express a living faith in the real world. ” Joan Chittister

Many Different Types of Spirituality All have FIRE within them – how they express it is very different!

Spirituality and Faith: Will it uplift or tear down? “Spirituality is the way we express a living faith in the real world. ” Joan Chittister, Benedictine Sister and Writer True, authentic spirituality based on FAITH in GOD: • uplifts the human condition • is for transformation of the world, not for individual gain. • is altruistic, that is, focuses on the common good of others first. • gives meaning to life and can guide us toward becoming the best version of ourselves • Is life-giving, positive, brings JOY into the world

Styles of Christian Spirituality • Are abundant! • A “smorgasbord” of choices • Resonance with one or another depends on YOU, your personality • There is no one, right way to express your spirituality • Growth in your intimacy with God is tantamount • Historically, expressed in many ways, from martyrdom in the first century to monastic practices in the Middle Ages, to today • Vatican II – “Universal call to Holiness” – Developing a Christian Spirituality is for everyone!

Benedictine Spirituality: Reverence for the Ordinary • Founder: St. Benedict - 6 th Century • From St. Benedict’s Rule: How to make “here and now right and holy. ” • Tools used daily as sacred as altar vessels: spatula, shovel, computer • A balance of prayer, study, nurtures the spiritual self • Open space and inner place free and open very important • Grounded in 4 anchors: the Rule, the Gospel, Wisdom of the Community, particular circumstances of a person’s life • Prayer is a regular part of the rhythm of life – all hours! • Preferred form of prayer is liturgy, psalms, hymns sung together • “Let them prefer nothing whatever to Christ. ” St. Benedict

Carmelite Spirituality: Depths of Silence • Based on Spanish Mystics St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila - 16 th century • Community and Solitude must co-exist; “Desert Spirituality” • Silence is not to be feared; it is the place where we unite with God, the Beloved • Contemplative prayer – an experience of God that plunges us into a profound love that directs our outer lives. • Transformation is about becoming a mystic: one who knows God by experience; not weird, or spooky – but ordinary and grounded • Life is meant to be enjoyed, embraced, celebrated both in solitude and in communal living; mystical experience leads to service of others • Work, Study, Prayer – need balance • “Take a long, loving look at the Real. ” Fr. William Mc. Namara

Franciscan Spirituality: Love of Creation • Founder: St. Francis of Assisi (12 th and 13 th century) • “To a Franciscan, the whole world is a tabernacle. ” • Beauty is the door to the sacred; God is best encountered in creation • Simplicity of form, simplicity of the heart • “Lady Poverty” - non-attachment to material possessions; • Conforming to the image of Christ, crucified, brings JOY • Love of Creation, Love of Others, Love of Life “Proclaim the gospel always. • Prayer forms: Working outside, admiring the light on Use words only if necessary. “ St. the ocean; enjoying the party, singing, dancing, Francis laughing at life

Thomistic Spirituality: Intellectual Vigor • Founder: St. Thomas Aquinas (13 th Century) Dominican • God is found in the intellect – through study, philosophy, theology • Proofs for the existence of God persuade and uplift the faith • Moral behavior follows intellectual understanding and knowledge • The mind must be fed for the faith to flourish • Prayer grounded in “Lectio Divina, ” using the Scriptures and other inspiring reading for prayer

Ignatian Spirituality (aka Jesuit): Stand for Justice • Founder: St. Ignatius of Loyola (16 th Century) • “Finding God in All Things” • Our deep desires are healthy, leading us towards God; we long for intimate union with God who wants what is best for us • Task of life is to align ourselves on a path toward God • Spiritual Exercises (the Examen) help us to see where God is active in our lives, what brings us consolations (so we can repeat them) and desolations (so we can avoid them). • Emphasis on humility, simplicity, service • Heart for the poor, marginalized, lost, separated; call of Christ is to lift up the lowly –the preferential option for the poor • Pope Francis is a Jesuit!

Many Other Ways. . . • Masculine/Feminine Spirituality • Spirituality of Solidarity • Native-American Spirituality • Liberation Spirituality • Marian Spirituality • Celtic Spirituality • Dominican Spirituality • Desert Spirituality • Etc. , etc. WHAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

WHAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU? Some Things to Consider • Personality • Gifts and Charisms (next week) • Read more about Spirituality • Discern - Try various forms - Which one resonates? • Not everything will “fit” – Okay to blend • Design your own • Must be something that you can do “for the long haul, ” not just for now • Write your own Rule for your own Life!

Why focus on the Spiritual Journey? The Ultimate Spiritual Life Choice: Sorrowful and Bitter Old Person? Or Joyful and Wise Old Person? Which will it be? Spiritual Direction – Companionship On the Journey

Which Spirituality Fits for You? Inner Compass