AFTER SESSION 3
Religious Orders
We hope some of you will consider becoming associates of a religious order. Many have been strengthened by being connected to one of these communities.
Here are two links you may find helpful. As you will see these communities differ in their charism and spirituality. You will find some more aligned with your personality, gifts and the circumstances of your life.
Becoming an associate of a religious order – Highlights 5 communities and provides a link to many others
Associates of the Order of the Ascension – OA has a charism that will be most appealing to those interested in the form of parish development that makes use of the fields of ascetical theology and practice, organization development, and organizational culture and psychology.
If you think you may have a call to become a professed member of a religious order you can find information related to that on the web sites.
For your reflection after Session 3
Going home theme
Our tradition often approaches matters of faith by noting polarities that taken together present a more complete truth. Our theme in this program is “making ourselves at home in all circumstance.” And, there is another truth—our home is beyond this age and location. We don’t want to lose track of other truth. The Christian hope is finally that we make ourselves at home in the kingdom of God, present now and yet beyond now.
So, after each session we’ll offer a means to reflect on that theme. It’s a theme that shows itself in a variety of ways; some specifically Christian and some in other forms that flow from faith.
Today – To a better country
In Hebrews the writer takes us into the longing of the People of God for “a better country.”
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible. ...
All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them. ...
who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned to death, they were sawn in two, they were killed by the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, persecuted, tormented— of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.
Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better so that they would not, without us, be made perfect. …
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God....
Pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and through it many become defiled....
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
From Hebrews 11 & 12
Our nation has its own longing for a better nation. For your reflection.
The funeral train of Bobby Kennedy
Martin Luther King – I have a dream
President Obama’s speech at the democratic convention calling us “to wake up, rise up, read the creeds and do everything possible to save the historical demands of equality before the law and at the ballot box before it is too late in the American project is sent into a long Babylonian captivity.”
President Reagan: “I received a letter just before I left office from a man. I don't know why he chose to write it, but I'm glad he did. He wrote that you can go to live in France, but you can't become a Frenchman. You can go to live in Germany or Italy, but you can't become a German, an Italian. He went through Turkey, Greece, Japan and other countries. But he said anyone, from any corner of the world, can come to live in the United States and become an American.”
Additional material related to Session 3
A nation and world at peace with itself
Mary and Martha: the relationship of action and contemplation
Parish life lacking any sort of contemplative focus
Materials from Session 3
Three movements of the spiritual life -PDF
Advanced reading – Spiritual reading with Deaconess Alexander -PDF
Spiritual Practice – Contemplation - Intercession – Action
Nouwen – solitude
Means of Grace, Hope of Glory
“Means of Grace, Hope of Glory” is a blog of postings from Michelle and Robert. Some of you have made use of that material during these weeks. Here is a link to summaries and links to all the postings.
AFTER SESSION 2
For your reflection after session 2
Going home theme
Our tradition often approaches matters of faith by noting polarities that taken together present a more complete truth. Our theme in this program is “making ourselves at home in all circumstance.” And, there is another truth—our home is beyond this age and location. We don’t want to lose track of other truth. The Christian hope is finally that we make ourselves at home in the kingdom of God, present now and yet beyond now.
So, after each session we’ll offer a means to reflect on that theme. It’s a theme that shows itself in a variety of ways; some specifically Christian and some in other forms that flow from faith.
Today – The Babylonian Captivity
In all ages groups of people have been taken captive and removed from their homeland--into slavery, forced labor, or refugee camps. And sometimes the removal was also genocidal.
Psalm 137 is appointed for our worship from time to time. It is about the Babylonian Captivity
Psalm 137 vs 1 – 6 Super flumina
1 By the waters of Babylon we sat down and wept, * when we remembered you, O Zion.
2 As for our harps, we hung them up * on the trees in the midst of that land.
3 For those who led us away captive asked us for a song, and our oppressors called for mirth: * “Sing us one of the songs of Zion.”
4 How shall we sing the Lord’s song * upon an alien soil?
5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem, * let my right hand forget its skill.
6 Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, * if I do not set Jerusalem above my highest joy
“By the Waters of Babylon" Joey Weisenberg & The Hadar Ensemble
Lyrics
By the waters of Babylon
We laid our lyres down
Laid our lyres down,
at and cried
By the waters of Babylon
We sang no sacred songs
Sang no sacred songs,
Tongues were tied
Nigun
If I forget you Jerusalem
I’ll play no more again
Play no more again,
Not one more time
Won’t you show me Jerusalem
Razed and broken Razed and broken,
Alone on high
Nigun
By the waters of Babylon
We laid our lyres down Laid our lyres down,
A long long time
Nigun
From Wikipedia on Nigun - webpage
nigun (Hebrew: ניגון meaning "tune" or "melody", pl. nigunim) or niggun (pl. niggunim) is a form of Jewish religious song or tune sung by groups. It is vocal music, often with repetitive sounds such as "Bim-Bim-Bam", "Lai-Lai-Lai", "Yai-Yai-Yai" or "Ai-Ai-Ai" instead of formal lyrics. Sometimes, Bible verses or quotes from other classical Jewish texts are sung repetitively to form a nigun. Some nigunim are sung as prayers of lament, while others may be joyous or victorious.
Nigunim are largely improvisations, though they can be based on thematic passages and are stylized in form, reflecting the teachings and charisma of the spiritual leadership of the congregation or its religious movement. Nigunim are especially central to worship in Hasidic Judaism, which evolved its own structured, soulful forms to reflect the mystical joy of intense prayer (devekut).
Another piece based on Ps 137
Also “Babylon” by Don Mclean
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL RELATED TO THE FIRST SPIRITUAL PRACTICE: SOLITUDE
Three movements of the spiritual life: Part One - from loneliness to solitude
Music
Come, My Way – We thought this an interesting reflection on solitude in the city
Medical Professionals Turn to Music - A News Hour segment describing a cycle of healing through music so the medics can return to their work refreshed
Material from session 2
Presentation. More on the Renewal-Apostolate Cycle
Advanced reading – Making ourselves at home among the wheat and the weeds
Spiritual reading with Hildegard of Bingen. Reflection by Bishop Peter on Hildegard
AFTER SESSION 1
Going home theme
Our tradition often approaches matters of faith by noting polarities that taken together present a more complete truth. Our theme in this program is “making ourselves at home in all circumstance.” There is another truth—our home is beyond this age and location. We don’t want to lose track of that other truth. So, each week there will be an opportunity to reflect upon that other end of the polarity. It’s a theme that shows itself in a variety of ways; some specifically Christian and some in other forms that flow from faith. The Christian hope is finally that we make ourselves at home in the kingdom of God, present now and yet beyond now.
From Scripture
And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’ (Matthew 8:20)
I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. (Johm 17:14-16)
If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world—therefore the world hates you. (John 15:19)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2)
But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 3:20)
But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.(Hebrews 11:16)
Music
A September 11 Reflection
I love you: September 11 - On anger & justice, John Lewis and Bobby Kennedy, and the love of God
Additional material related to the first spiritual practice: spiritual reading
A reflection on Alexander Crummell A reflection on Crummell and Burleigh From the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, NYC
Constance and her Companions - Mentioned in converation with Bishop Reed
Material from Session 1
Advanced reading – Making ourselves at home: three reflections
Optional spiritual reading with Alexander Crummell
On the Spiritual Practice – Spiritual Reading
Sister Michelle's presentation - with the Cicles of Influence
Two books were recommended - The Benedict Option His Truth is Marching On
Questions, comments, feedback
If you have any questions, comments you'd like to share or feedback -- plaese send us a message
Michelle Heyne, OA Robert Gallagher, OA
Information on the program - To make ourselves at home