Vita Dulce

Did you ever go through an experience in public with your children where things went poorly and the people around you at the time simply did not understand the complexities involved in the situation?  Have you ever been embarrassed by the way you responded to a difficult experience in the heat of the moment? Have you ever wondered why you or your loved ones struggle in areas that others don't ever seem to have to worry about? This scripture reading from Wednesday Evening Prayer, Week II  brings some consolation.  Through the grace of God, perhaps we can look at difficult moments that appear to be humiliating , rather in the context of humbling . While humiliation leads us to embarrassment, shame, anger and other lingering toxic feelings that drag us down; viewing a circumstance as humbling can change the perception by leading us to deeper insight and compassion for others or self.    Humiliation is isolating, it gives us the sense that others (and even God) are ...

  Freedom and the Spirit A few thoughts from Mysticism of Everyday Life by Ed Carter, SJ in his chapter on "Life in the Spirit."  As a Jesuit, he uses Ignatian principles and scripture and these three parts of the chapter struck me:      1. "Spiritual Freedom  is the ability to relate to persons, places, things, circumstances, and all else                     according to God's will ...  (it is to) not be attached ... (to anything) which prevents us from following          the lead of the Spirit." (54)      2. " Flexibility of Will  is openness to the Spirit's guidance; a disposition open to legitimate changes,                    modifications and adaptations we are called to make at certain junctures of our spiritual journey."(56)      3. "We have not received the spirit of the world ...