Comments on: Spiritual Direction

By: Bationi

Bationi — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 23:41:13 +0000

” try to keep in mind that the purpose behind it is to remind you that even though you’re not perfect, you’re also not ultimately in charge and that God loves you lavishly, tremendously, unconditionally, eternally.”
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17
But please note that this is what it is all about. It does NOT mean that you will always be happy or always healthy or that your children and those that you love will not be hurt or even die.

That is, “God loves you lavishly, tremendously, unconditionally, eternally.” is not some type of magical formula that will protect you and make you happy or succesful.

By: The Website of Unknowing

The Website of Unknowing — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:46:45 +0000

[...] Spiritual Direction [...]

By: noel

noel — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:31:01 +0000

there is a lot of “careering” in spirituality today. i think to use another irish expression red rag to a bull………..many things to be wary of.
spiritual direction can come from dealing with our adversities and adversaries over time and we are not stupid ………..we will note when we improve

By: Spiritual Direction « Spiritual Formation & Spiritual Direction

Spiritual Direction « Spiritual Formation & Spiritual Direction — Thu, 29 May 2008 04:58:03 +0000

[...] http://anamchara.com/formation/soulfriend [...]

By: Carl McColman

Carl McColman — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 12:15:58 +0000

Judith, I’m not a priest and I can’t claim to speak for the church. so I don’t think I have much advice on this whole question of mass attendance and mortal sin. I’m sorry you don’t get much out of mass, perhaps you’d find worshipping at a convent or monastery where the liturgy is more deeply contemplative to be more meaningful for you. But reading over your post, what really strikes me is your comment that “your feelings were hurt” when the priest suggested that you didn’t have to be a Catholic. I wasn’t there so I can’t comment on the tone of his voice or any other nonverbal cues, but I’m going to assume that when he said that, he wasn’t trying to get rid of you so much as he was affirming your freedom in Christ. And indeed, it’s important for all of us (Catholic, Protestant, or Orthodox) to remember that we are radically free in Christ. Confession is all about receiving God’s love and forgiveness; we tend to got focussed on making it all about “us” (what we did wrong, is such and such act really sinful, trying to make excuses or defend our actions, etc. etc.). The mental gymnastics we go through regarding confession are like the Prodigal Son rehearsing what he’s going to say to his father when he gets home and begs to be a servant. But as we all know, the father couldn’t care less about the prodigal son’s excuses or rehearsed speeches. The father just wanted to love the son! So at the end of the day, going to confession is not about how good (or bad) we are, how right or wrong our actions are, or anything like that. It’s all about God’s love and forgiveness. I’m sorry that for you, this particular confession ended in bad feelings rather than in a sense of God’s grace and mercy. That’s not your fault (if anyone is at fault, it’s the priest), but maybe the next time you go to confession, try to keep in mind that the purpose behind it is to remind you that even though you’re not perfect, you’re also not ultimately in charge and that God loves you lavishly, tremendously, unconditionally, eternally.

By: judith collier

judith collier — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 06:42:25 +0000

Awhile back I went to confession and confessed I was an ‘on again, off again’mass attender.The priest said, “God wants you”,I said I didn’t really get anything from attending.He said,”it’s not what you get”. THAT WAS THE TRUTH FOR SURE.! I knew that was the truth and I accepted it. It was the “God wants you” part I didn’t buy. Why would God want me at mass? Didn’t He have enough people already? Why was my presence so important? The poor priest didn’t convince me and he ended in total frustration by saying “you don’t have to be a catholic”. Great! Now my feelings were hurt because I did want to be a catholic. I don’t know what I was looking for,but I would know if I found it,the right answer, that is. I’m beginning to wonder what my problem is. I do and I don’t. judy

By: Peter

Peter — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 04:25:35 +0000

I have to agree with Carl that “a truly egalitarian and truly deep soul friendship is a precious and rare occurrence.” I have come to believe that when you find one of these, it is worth cherishing and nourishing but not holding onto tightly as it can be smothered and shut down. While it might not be sinful to seek for such a friendship, in my experience they kind of come and go serendipitously, or sovereignly. It is possible to live a long time without such a close soul friend, but it is surely a treasure and enrichment of life when it happens: a gift from a loving God.

Love and peace to all,
Peter

By: Maggie

Maggie — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 03:23:35 +0000

Thank you, Carl, for your encouraging and well thought direction. Good word…The internet does pale in comparison with a face-to-face relationship. My spouse had found a soul-mate after a slow building friendship and experienced God in a way like never before in love that is transparent. The world fears to let down their veil and been seen for who God made them without their sins. Even I struggled to “not define” or “determine” their mystical friendship and in using the intellect at times found I was undermining the powerful work happening in their lives which blessed myself, the other spouse and those in our parish community. I now understand what looks to the world like “an affair” is how amazing the love of our Lord truly is….”it burns down our houses and shatters all of our windows!”. I long to live holy, and as Rumi would say “in the tavern” which is bliss with God every moment of every day. Yes. Trusting a spiritual director, God and myself are good words to hear and help me to do more soul work and polish my mirror in dying to my self and letting God become my complete Self. Our “children can be our greatest teacher” as you said, and I will take this to heart as I’ve felt called to deeply pray, listen and learn from others…so you may be on to something here…I will be open to God using me for spiritual direction if so called. Love is not a religion, rite or rule. Love frees with no cages, compels as well as constrains all at the right times. God bless and thank you again. I plan to add some of the books for spiritual direction you’ve listed above.

By: Carl McColman

Carl McColman — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 23:01:15 +0000

I don't know about receiving spiritual direction via the internet, I suppose it is possible but I would think it would be a pale substitute of the real face-to-face thing. If you are not finding anyone with whom you feel comfortable sharing your soul, perhaps you could be in a position to learn how to provide guidance to others? As any parent can tell you, our children are our greatest teachers; I think this holds true for "children of the soul" as well. You might want to visit Shalem or Spiritual Directors International to learn about the resources available to those who are called to become spiritual directors. One last thought, though. I think in spiritual direction we are ultimately called not only to trust our directors, but also called to trust God and — most challenging of all — trust ourselves. If you're having a difficult time finding someone to trust, perhaps you could ask "can I at least trust God and myself in the presence of this person?" That might give you some insight on who might be able to minister to you in this way.

By: Maggie

Maggie — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 22:29:14 +0000

I’ve experienced mystic union with God through prayer with Rumi’s poetry, similar to Theresa of Avilia’s interior castles journey. There are few, even spiritual directors, who live in the realm of being awake and enlightened in God’s love and truth which is making me leary of trusting anyone with my direction. I am beginning to think there exists a person of this type of soul-journey. They are very rare. Looking at the options of those I’ve already met with and shared it seems I’ve gone beyond even their level of spiritual mysticism. At this cross-roads, would it be a wise choice to seek someone on the internet? Looking to follow Love and not fear can you give me some advice?