Tag: Listen
Definition of Prayer
There are several definitions of prayer. But it is most often called talk, a conversation, a colloquy with God. Conversing with someone, not only do we speak but we also listen. Prayer, therefore, is also listening. It consists of listening to hear the interior voice of grace. Listening to hear the call. And then, as… Read More ›
Inner Knowing, the Gift of Inner Knowledge
From time to time, we all have a feeling of inner knowing. Call it “inside information”: God gives us secret insight. Before 9/11, one of the men who died in the plane that crashed in Pennsylvania had an inner knowledge that something was about to occur, and prepared for it. God gives us “inside” tips…. Read More ›
Listening Carefully
. . . it is Christ who speaks through human agents-the less overpowering they are, the more attentively the abbot must strain to hear what they say. The same principle applies here that Benedict enunciates concerning the poor: The terror that great ones inspire assures them of respect (53:15), but it is in listening carefully… Read More ›
Redefining “Family Time”
Want to get to know your family better? Shun selfishness, embrace selflessness. Do you value spending time with your children? You may think that’s a silly question. “Of course I do,” many parents might retort. “We’re under the same roof for hours every day. I lug them to basketball and ballet. We watch movies and… Read More ›
St. Pachomius, Father of Communal Monasticism
Therefore, brothers, let us strive with all our heart, bearing death before our eyes every hour, and every moment imagining the fearful punishment. But these things the mind comes to perception and the soul is weighed down weeping, but it is also made contemplative and prepared to be turned toward God, undistracted by earthly things…. Read More ›
Spirit of Reverence shapes Lectio Divina
Five ways in which the spirit of reverence shapes lectio divina: Reverence propels us toward silence, and silence enables us to listen. Reverence will cause us to surround our reading with safeguards to its seriousness. Reverence for God’s Word means respect for the text of the Bible. . . . It points to a zeal… Read More ›
Which is Greater: The Word or Body of Christ?
Brothers and sisters, here is a question for you: Which to you seems the greater, the word of God or the body of Christ? If you want to give the right answer you will reply that God’s word is not less than Christ’s body. Therefore, just as we take care when we receive the body… Read More ›
Humble and listening hearts are needed…
The only way we count more with God is if we are found superior to others in good works and still humble. (RB 2:21) Humble and listening hearts are needed in families, the workplace, government, international diplomacy, and faith communities. The “answer” to modern conflicts and just sharing of the world’s resources requires a change… Read More ›
50 Years with the Same Companion
We often talk about the importance of regularly praying the Liturgy of the Hours. It is one of the few obligations of an Oblate. But we make excuses, we are too busy, our kids require our time, we have too much housework, our boss has us on deadlines. All of these things can ligitamately keep… Read More ›
The Rule of St Benedict in the Workplace: Listen
Listen now and try to understand (Job 34:16) Obedience to the very first word of the Rule, “listen”, is essential in today’s workplace. Studies by varieties of experts have come to the same conclusion: one of the main causes of dysfunction in the workplace is poor communication. At least 50% of the business of communication… Read More ›