One of the books that I read during Lent was The Way of the Carmelites: A Prayer Journey Through Lent by James McCaffrey, which provided an interesting insight into the prayer journeys and practices of the Carmelites.
We are, of course, now beyond Lent, but the learning remains valid and, in the current context, particularly relevant. Amongst the phrases in the book that struck me were the statements that " Lent is an invitation and a challenge to journey with the wounded Christ who can show us the truth of our own weakness, insecurity and brokenness, and the truth of a God who is mercy, compassion and tenderness," and that, "Lent is not a time for gloom and sadness. Most importantly of all, it is a privileged time for prayer – for nurturing our relationship with God."
McCaffrey reminds us of the critical role of prayer - "Prayer is never a selfish flight from the call of duty or from the grind of daily living. In silence, Carmelites listen more intently, and with compassion, to the pain of the world; even for those who have entered a monastery, the neediness of the world they have left behind is where the compassionate core of their heart continues to live."
He also reminds us that "every trial or suffering is accompanied by a special grace of God – at the time: not in advance – to help us carry this cross." I find that deeply reassuring but, at the same time, need to challenge myself to take it seriously.
1 comment:
Hello Rev.Paul. I sm a Pastor from Mumbai, India. I am glad to stop by your profile on the blogger and the blog post. I am also blessed and feel privileged and honoured to get connected with you as well as know you as a Minister with the United REformed Church in England. I am so encouraged by your blog post and a reminder from McCaffrey that "every trial of suffering is accompained by a special grace of God-at the time not in advance-to help us carry this cross". I love getting connected with the people of God around the globe ot be encouraged strengthened and praying for one another. I have been in the Pastoral ministry for last 40 yrs in this great city of Mumbai a city with a great city of Mumbai a city with a great contrast where richest of rich and the poorest of poor live. We rewach out to the poorest of poor with the love of Christ to bring healing to the brokenhearted. We also encourage young and the adults from the west to come to Mumbai to work with us during their vacation time. We would love to have young peole from your church to come to Mumbai to work with us during their vacation time. I am sure they will have a life changaing experience. Looking forward to hear from you very soon. God. richest blessings on you your family and friends also wishing you a blessed and a Christ centered rest of the year 2020. My email id is: dhwankhede(at)gmail(dot)com and my name is diwakar Wankhede
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