Tag: god

New Homily: Listen

by Derek Michael Larson, posted in Uncategorized

Find the full text of the homily here.

Questions for Reflection

  1. How do I typically respond during moments of silence in my prayer life? Do I feel the need to fill the silence with words, or can I simply be present?
  2. In what ways do I try to control or domesticate my experiences with God? How might I let go of this impulse and invite a deeper sense of trust?
  3. What distractions or internal chatter prevent me from fully listening to God? How can I create a more peaceful environment for myself to hear His voice?
  4. As I prepare for Lent, what specific practices or habits can I adopt to cultivate silence and listening in my daily life?
  5. How might dedicating time to simply be present with God, without the need to do or say anything, transform my relationship with Him?

Resources for Further Reflection

My personal practice of silence is called Centering Prayer. Here are some resources where you can learn more.

Book: Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening by Cynthia Bourgeault

In Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening, Cynthia Bourgeault introduces readers to a simple yet profound prayer practice designed to deepen one’s relationship with God through silent contemplation. Aimed at those unfamiliar with contemplative prayer, this accessible guide explains how to engage in Centering Prayer, encouraging parishioners to quiet their minds and open their hearts to divine presence. Through practical insights and gentle guidance, Bourgeault invites readers to embark on a transformative journey of inner stillness and spiritual awakening, enhancing their faith and connection with God.

Book: Open Mind, Open Heart by Thomas Keating

In Open Mind, Open Heart, Thomas Keating (the spiritual father of this practice) offers an accessible introduction to Centering Prayer, a method of silent prayer that invites individuals to deepen their relationship with God. Through clear guidance and practical insights, Keating shares the principles of this contemplative practice, helping readers to quiet their thoughts and open their hearts to God’s presence. This book serves as both a thoughtful exploration of the spiritual journey and a gentle encouragement for those seeking to experience the transformative power of silence and stillness in their prayer life.

Website: Contemplative Outreach

Contemplative Outreach is a dedicated organization focused on promoting the practice of Centering Prayer, a method of silent prayer that opens individuals to a deeper relationship with God. The website serves as a rich resource for anyone interested in exploring this transformative spiritual practice.

Visitors to the Contemplative Outreach website can find a wealth of materials, including:

  • Introductory Resources: These include guides and articles that explain the principles of Centering Prayer, making it accessible for those new to the practice.
  • Training Opportunities: The site offers information on workshops, retreats, and online courses designed to help individuals deepen their understanding and experience of contemplative prayer.
  • Books and Publications: A curated selection of literature, including works by renowned authors in the contemplative tradition, provides further insights into Centering Prayer and its spiritual benefits.
  • Community Engagement: The website fosters a sense of community among practitioners, featuring group prayer opportunities, forums, and local chapters where individuals can connect and practice together.
  • Meditation Resources: Visitors can access guided meditations, audio recordings, and other tools that support silent contemplation and enhance one’s prayer journey.

New Christmas Homily: God and Our Bodies

by Derek Michael Larson, posted in Uncategorized

Find the full text of the homily here.

A Poem by St. Symeon the New Theologian

We awaken in Christ’s body,
As Christ awakens our bodies
There I look down and my poor hand is Christ,
He enters my foot and is infinitely me.
I move my hand and wonderfully
My hand becomes Christ,
Becomes all of Him.
I move my foot and at once
He appears in a flash of lightning.
Do my words seem blasphemous to you?
Then open your heart to Him.
And let yourself receive the one
Who is opening to you so deeply.
For if we genuinely love Him,
We wake up inside Christ’s body
Where all our body all over,
Every most hidden part of it,
Is realized in joy as Him,
And He makes us utterly real.
And everything that is hurt, everything
That seemed to us dark, harsh, shameful,
Maimed, ugly, irreparably damaged
Is in Him transformed.
And in Him, recognized as whole, as lovely,
And radiant in His light,
We awaken as the beloved
In every last part of our body.

Questions for Further Reflection

  1. In what ways can we embody the message of the Incarnation in our daily lives, particularly in how we treat our own bodies and the bodies of others?
  2. How does the poem by St. Symeon the New Theologian resonate with your own experience of being in your body? What feelings or insights arise as you consider the interconnectedness of Christ and our physical selves?

New Homily (and More): With Sighs Too Deep for Words

by Derek Michael Larson, posted in Uncategorized

Find the full text here.

Also, I’m trying out something new on the website. With each homily I’m going to start posting some resources connected to the Scripture passage and message I spoke on for deeper reflection. Below are the resources for this week. You can also find them on the homilies page. Let me know if you find it helpful or if you have suggestions!

Resources

For more reflection on this passage from Romans and the practice of wordless prayer see some of the following, and never hesitate to reach out for a conversation!

Song: Spirit Move! (Keep on Moving) by the Porter’s Gate
This song based on Romans 8:22-27 is from a new album by one of my favorite music artists, The Porter’s Gate. It was the soundtrack for the writing of this sermon.

Web Article: Learning to Pray from the Spirit and the Heart by Fr. Jack N. Sparks
This web posting is an adaptation of an old teaching on prayer from the 16th century by priest, Lorenzo Scupoli. I found it really helpful in framing the different types of prayer and praying from the Spirit/heart.

Organization: Contemplative Outreach
https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/
One of the methods of wordless prayer that has been part of my practice is called Centering Prayer, inspired by the ancient monastic tradition and contemporarily developed by Fr. Thomas Keating, a Trappist Monk. Contemplative Outreach is the primary organization that teaches about centering prayer and organizes groups around the country. Below are a few more resources on Centering Prayer.

Group: Centering Prayer Group at Jupiter FIRST Church
Meets on the fourth Monday of each month
https://www.jupiterfirst.org/spiritualformation/

Book: Open Mind, Open Heart by Thomas Keating

Book: Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening by Cynthia Bourgeault