Contemporary culture is plagued with a need to possess, isn’t it?
Societal messaging tells us (and tries to sell to us) that the “good life” is found in newer vehicles, trendier clothes, frequent trips, bigger adventures, better experiences, more updated versions, and on and on it goes.
Further, the pace of the modern world keeps us strained, hurried and anxious, as the complexity of rushing to achieve and accumulate “all these things” overwhelms us.
But the Gospel of Matthew speaks of a different pursuit:
“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and ‘all these things’ will be given to you as well.” [6:33]
Herein lies a question we’re all invited to consider:
What are “all these things” your life speaks of and reflects?
Is your life marked by simple pleasures of presence, or does it feel strained, hurried, and anxious?
As you sit with the prompts in today’s newsletter, invite God’s presence to be with you as you explore the soul work of simplicity. And invite The Holy to reveal all the insight about all these things.
”The contemplative heart is found in the simplicity of everyday life.” —Richard Rohr
—With Joy
Source: Center for Action and Contemplation, The Daily Meditations, by Richard Rohr
Pause for Thought
”Many people view their habits and routines as obstacles or, at the very least, obligations to get through. Making the morning coffee, driving your kids to the next activity, preparing the next meal—we often see our routines as chores to be completed. But these are not moments to be dismissed. They are life. Making coffee can be a peaceful ritual—perhaps even a fulfilling one—if done with care rather than rushed to completion. It’s about the amount of attention you devote to these simple moments, and whether you choose to appreciate them or bulldoze through them on the way to the next task. Find the beauty and joy in your daily rituals and you will find beauty and joy in your daily life. To love your habits is to love your days, and to love your days is to love your life.”
Source: 3-2-1 Thursday, by James Clear, On having enough, the power of books, and a recipe for success, September 7, 2023.
Pause for Practice
‘Here I Am’ is a simple contemplative prayer practice creating intent for you to simply be here now in prayer.
- Set Time — Consider five minutes of quiet time for this prayer practice.
- Set Intention — Start by saying, “Here I am for five minutes. Here I am setting aside time for prayer,” etc.
- Set Presence — Close your eyes. Begin breathing. Pay attention to what you’re experiencing: “Here I am settling into this moment. Here I am paying attention,” etc.
- Set Invitation — Invite God’s presence to join you: “Here I am in the presence of God. Speak what you would have me hear,” etc.
Pause for Examination
“Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.”
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P.S. It’s true when they say ‘life is a journey,’ but everyone can have a different take on that experience – ha!
