This past week has been one of various gatherings for our congregation. We spent some of our time together debriefing from these meetings and pondering the question of how to be and be perceived as a safe place for whoever would like to worship with us and share in our decision making.
We sequed into a discussion of companionship - the book we were following speaks of it coming from words meaning with (com) bread (pan) - so it is eating bread with - or the same bread. How do we walk along side each other and with others who are hurting or in need of a friend - how do we practice companionship?
We looked at Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and Mark 12:28-31. The first is the command to love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your sould, and with all your might (the shema) - and to keep these words with you at all times. The second is Jesus telling the scribe that this is the most important commandment, and the 2nd is to love your neighbor as yourself. So what do we take from this that is new?
The idea of binding the word to you (from Deuteronomy) - not literally as some have taken it - but making it such a part of you that it is with you always was somewhat intriguing. Think of developing such an attitude of God being with you, of allowing the Holy Spirit to work in you. What would it be like if we became that God centred? How would our lives change if we saw God in EVERY interaction? How do we become so God-centric?
One person had been to a mindfulness workshop through work - there it was phrased more how to be truly present - or mindful. Even the secular world is recognizing that this is a need. But what if we took that seriously and spiritually? What if we took the time to just sit and breathe for 5 breaths? Would we feel the miracle of automatically doing that? Would we feel the Spirit being breathed into us? Can we become more mindful of God present with us and the Holy Spirit present in us?
What does loving God with all our heart, soul, strength & mind compel us to do? Perhaps "heart" is calling us to praise, to feelings of joy and worship. Perhaps "soul" is calling us to prayer and meditation? Perhaps "strength" is a call to action - to do what is right - make our activities count? Maybe "mind" is calling us to study - read, listen, take time for learning more about God and God's work? We thought about how this really is an encompassing call to God-centricity.
Interesting challenges - There was a quote from Brother Lawrence. According to Christian Classics Ethereal Library website (http://www.ccel.org/ccel/lawrence/practice):
- Brother Lawrence is one of the most admired and imitated sons of the Catholic church. He worked for a time as a soldier before entering the Discalced Carmelite Prior in Paris. Lawrence was uneducated, and so had to enter the monastery as a layman. He worked in the kitchens and as a cobbler there for the remainder of his life. Lawrence is known for his devotion and ability to bring God into every aspect of his life. His classic Christian work, Practice of the Presence of God, details how to gain that constant and comforting connection to God. Readers have treasured this short and easy book for centuries because of Lawrence's honest advice and his obvious passion for spiritual matters. He rejoiced in everyday tasks, prayed constantly, and was known around the monastery for his kindness and willingness to help others. Practice of the Presence of God is a creative Christian work that is required reading according to many believers. Readers will come away with great peace and joy, and a better understanding of what it means to constantly be in God's presence.
Unfortunately I don't have the quote word for word - though I found many that were powerful in my search - but it was a challenge to practice presence - to invite God into the mundane, everyday acts of our lives and be present to the Spirit's comfort and guidance. It was a call to mindfulness. Brother Lawrence encourages all to fully engage with their whole selves - turn to God and face obstacles.
Maybe this is the final thought and challenge we need to take into our week - to truly become more God-centric.
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