Campus Connection

Prayer for Leadership

2008-11-04T15:38:00.000-08:00

Give us, O God,
leaders whose hearts are large enough
to match the breadth of our own souls
and give us souls strong enough
to follow leaders of vision and wisdom.

In seeking a leader,
let us seek more than development
for ourselves —
though development we hope for —
more than security for our own land —
though security we need —
more than satisfaction for our wants —
though many things we desire.

Give us the hearts to choose
the leader who will work with other
leaders to bring safety
to the whole world.

Give us leaders
who lead this nation to virtue
without seeking to impose our kind of virtue
on the virtue of others.

Give us a government
that provides for the advancement
of this country
without taking resources from others
to achieve it.

Give us insight enough ourselves
to choose as leaders those who can tell
strength from power,
growth from greed,
leadership from dominance,
and real greatness from the trappings
of grandiosity.

We trust you, Great God,
to open our hearts to learn from those
to whom you speak in different tongues
and to respect the life and words
of those to whom you entrusted
the good of other parts of this globe.

We beg you, Great God,
give us the vision as a people
to know where global leadership truly lies,
to pursue it diligently,
to require it to protect human rights
for everyone everywhere.

We ask these things, Great God,
with minds open to your word
and hearts that trust in your eternal care.

Amen.

Election Reflection 3, Catholic Social Teaching and the Responsibility of Civic Engagement

2008-10-23T14:28:00.000-07:00

Election Reflection 3:

Catholic Social Teaching and the Responsibility of Civic Engagement

Call to Prayer: In this final reflection on the November election we are going to specifically engage the Catholic tradition of Social teaching. “The Catholic Church always asks its members to look at the principles of Catholic social teaching when making political decisions…The Catholic Church’s stance on public life is shaped by the principles of Catholic social teaching.” Before turning to a discussion of these principles and how they apply to our civic responsibility let us begin in prayer.

Before proceeding a brief word: Discussions of politics, especially when they involve the relationship between politics and religion can become very heated. It is important to recognize that “the Church’s social teaching is neither liberal nor conservative. It seeks simply to be faithful to God’s call.” Therefore, we should “carefully avoid the appearance of being partisan or ideological. The key is to” remain faithful to scripture and the Church’s social teaching. “people of goodwill might see complex social issues differently. Each of us should strive to be faithful to the teachings [of the Church] and respectful of others in discussing issues. The Second Vatican Council taught, “Very often the Christian vision will suggest a certain solution in some given situation. Yet it happens rather frequently, and legitimately so, that some of the faithful, with no less sincerity, will see the problem quite differently…Let [people], then, try to guide each other by sincere dialogue in a spirit of mutual charity and with anxious interest above all in the common good.”

Opening Prayer:

Gracious and loving God,

let your Spirit be with us today.

Hear our prayers,

and increase in us the will to follow your Son Jesus.

Help us to draw on the resources of our faith

as we use the opportunities of our democracy

to shape a society more respectful of the life,

dignity, and rights of the human person,

especially the poor and vulnerable.

We ask this through Jesus Christ,

your Son, who lives and reigns with you

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God forever and ever. Amen.

Scripture: MTTW 25: 31-46

Reflection:

St. Ignatius of Loyola recommends three ways of praying in the Spiritual Exercises. One of them asks us to focus on our selves and the moral life, the other two focus on allowing God to speak to us through deep contemplation on a specific prayer, either in silence or in writing or speaking. Before entering into discussion, let us pray that God will speak to us and inspire our thoughts to do this we will engage in the second method of prayer recommended by Ignatius.

Ignatius asks us to meditate deeply on the individual words of a specific prayer. To do this he asks that we take a deep breath in between each word of a prayer. In the time of the breath be aware of the way in which that word resonates within you. What does the word call to mind? What does the word mean?, or suggest about God’s will for us? What does God say to you through that word, in the moment of saying it? How does the word build upon the previous word? Follow the outline below, read the prayer aloud as a group, pausing for a deep breath where indicated by an asterisk (*).

Lord * Christ * help us * to see * what it is *

That joins * us * together *, not * what separates us *.

For when * we * see * only * what it is * that makes us * different *,

We * too often * become * aware * of what is wrong * with others *.

We * see * only * their faults * and * weaknesses *,

Interpreting * their actions * as flowing from *

Malice * or hatred * rather * than fear *.

Even when confronted * with evil *, Lord *,

You * forgave * and sacrificed * yourself *

Rather than * sought * revenge *.

Teach * us * to do * the same * by the power * of your * Spirit *>

--William Breault, SJ

Allow an opportunity to discuss what you experienced. Where there certain words which especially spoke to you, in what way. How was God present in this reflection? What was God saying?

Activity and Discussion:

The Seven Principles of Catholic Social Teaching are:

The life and dignity of the Human Person
The call to family, community, and participation
Protection of human rights
Option for the poor and vulnerable
The dignity of work and the rights of workers
Solidarity
Care for God’s Creation

Consider the Seven Principles of Catholic social teaching

Discuss the meaning of each of these seven principles of Catholic social teaching. What sort of values do these principles ask that we cultivate?

Look back to the public policy issues discussed in the second activity. How do the principles of Catholic Social teaching add to, help to clarify, complicate, or contradict the teachings of Jesus?

What do these principles demand of our leaders? How do the current candidates live up to or fail to meet the challenge of Catholic social teaching?

How do these principles challenge the shape of social structures? What priorities do they set for societies? In what ways do they seek to transform, or alter current priorities?

What social principles or structures do you see in society which contradict Catholic social teaching? How can they be transformed to better reflect these teachings?

Closing Prayer:

God, source of all light,

We are surrounded by the darkness of

The injustices experienced by your people,

The poor who are hungry and who search

For shelter, the sick who seek relief,

And the downtrodden who seek help in

Their hopelessness.

Surround us and fill us with your Spirit

Who is light.

Lead us in your way to be light to your people.

Help our group to be salt for our community

As we share your love with those caught

In the struggles of life.

We desire to be your presence to the least among us

And to know your presence in them as we

Work through you

To bring justice and peace to this world

In desperate need. Amen.

--United States Catholic Bishops.

Election Reflection 2, Scripture

2008-10-14T09:43:00.000-07:00

Exploring Scripture:

Opening Prayer:

Lord Christ, help us to see what it is

That joins us together, not what separates us.

For when we see only what it is that makes us different,

We too often become aware of what is wrong with others.

We see only their faults and weaknesses,

Interpreting their actions as flowing from

Malice or hatred rather than fear.

Even when confronted with evil, Lord,

You forgave and sacrificed yourself

Rather than sought revenge.

Teach us to do the same by the power of your Spirit.

--William Breault, SJ

Leader: The United States Catholic Bishops state, “the application of Gospel values to real situations is an essential work of the Christian community. Christians believe the Gospel is the measure of human realities. However, specific political proposals do not in themselves constitute the Gospel.” (from, Political Responsibility)

Activity: Make sure you bring Bibles, or have your group members bring a Bible or Christian Scriptures (New Testament). Use the sheet below to identify principles from Jesus’ teachings in the Gospel which would frame your decision on what stand to take for each of the following issues. Look through the Gospels and as a group find and discuss passages which can illuminate how Jesus may have approached some of the challenging issues which face us in today’s world. It is not necessary to go down the list one by one, rather invite participants to look through the Gospels, as they come up with a passage relevant to any one issue allow them to offer it up for reflection. As a group draw conclusions and take notes on the handout to guide final reflections.

Applying Jesus’ Values to Today’s Issues

Issue: Scripture Passages and Principles:

Minimum wage

Jobs:

Low-income housing:

Universal health care:

Abortion:

Capital punishment:

Welfare/welfare reform:

Discrimination/racism:

Education:

Immigration:

Arms control:

Euthanasia:

Environmental stewardship:

After completing the exercise allow time to discuss conclusions.

Leaders: Use the following questions to stimulate, or guide final reflections, if necessary:

What challenges do the actions and words of Jesus offer to our elected officials during the campaigns? After the election?

How can we adhere to the message of Jesus in our words and actions during an election year? After the election?

What is our responsibility, according to the message of Jesus, in regards to these issues?

How can we best apply the conclusions we have drawn to today’s world?

Intercessory prayer: (Pass around allowing all to read a petition, until completed)

The response is: Lord, hear our prayer.

For leaders around world, that they might find ways to bring an end to war and violence, and promote peace and development for all nations, we pray to the Lord. . . .

For all citizens of the United States, that our participation in the upcoming election may lead to a world of greater respect for life and commitment to justice and peace, we pray to the Lord. . . .

For Christians throughout our nation, that the values of our faith may guide us as we exercise our responsibility as voters, we pray to the Lord. . . .

For those who serve in elected office, that they may lead with courage and wisdom, reflecting the Church’s teaching that the moral test of our society is how the weak, the poor, and the vulnerable are faring, we pray to the Lord. . . .

For those who are suffering from poverty and injustice, that our decisions this election year may lead to policies and programs that help them live in dignity, we pray to the Lord. . . .

For the members of this community, that we may find ways to help build a world of greater respect for human life and human dignity, we pray to the Lord. . . .

Closing Prayer: Leader:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

--St. Francis of Assisi

Election Reflection 1, Values

2008-10-14T09:42:00.000-07:00

Values Exercise

Call to Prayer: Because we are people who believe in God, who trust in the goodness of the individuals who create our society, who have hope for the world, we must be responsible citizens. Following the call of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops tonight we will seek to bring the assets of our faith to the process of electoral discernment by utilizing “a consistent moral framework anchored in the scriptures and expressed in the teaching of the Church.” Making an informed choice is difficult, indeed, “there is no Catholic voting formula, and there is rarely, if ever, a perfect candidate for Catholic voters.” So what is our responsibility as Catholics? It is essential that we examine our individual conscience, scripture, and Church teachings on social responsibility.

Scripture: Wisdom 7: 7-12

(Leader should invite a participant to read this passage aloud and allow for silent reflection, play some soft, reflective music for about 5 mins. During this time)

Activity: Personal Influences: (Hand one of the following out to each group member, self included, allow time to reflect and fill out; follow up with discussion, using the questions below to lead the conversation)

What Do You Take With You Into the Voting Booth?

Take a moment to reflect on how much or how little each of the following categories influence how you vote, with 1 being no influence, and 5 being strong influence.

When I vote, I am influenced by:

My gender…………….........................1……….2……….3……….4………..5

My race, or ethnic culture.....................1……….2……….3……….4………..5

My economic status…………………..1……….2……….3……….4………...5

My profession………………………....1………2……….3……….4.………..5

My political party affiliation………….1……….2…….....3……….4………...5

My religious beliefs…………………..1……….2.……….3………4…….......5

My values…………………………….1……….2………..3………4………....5

My past experiences………………….1……….2………..3………4…………5

Being a parent (if applicable)………...1………2………...3……….4………...5

Other_______________________......1………2………....3………4…………5

For Discussion:

While many things influence how you vote, which of the factors named above are particularly important to you in making political decisions? Why?

Why is it important in any election to have people of different economic classes voting? Of different ethnic backgrounds? Of the opposite sex?

Go back to the scripture passage, re-read it if necessary:

What does this passage suggest about what our responsibilities are as voters, what does it suggest about the qualities we should expect of our leaders?

What does the scripture passage suggest about the task of forming our conscience; how should this process of formation occur?

Closing Prayer: (Pass around, allowing each person to read a stanza until the prayer is completed)

From Prayer Without Borders, Celebrating Global Wisdom

To have hope
Is to believe that history continues open
To the dream of God and to human creativity.

To have hope
Is to continue affirming
That it is possible to dream a different world,
Without hunger, without injustice,
Without discrimination.

To have hope
Is to be a courier of God
And courier of men and women of good will,
Tearing down walls, destroying borders,
Building bridges.

To have hope
Is to believe in the revolutionary potential of faith,
Is to leave the door open so that
The Spirit can enter and make all things anew.

To have hope
Is to believe that life wins over death.

To have hope
Is to begin again as many times as necessary.

To have hope
Is to believe that hope is not
The last thing that dies.

To have hope
Is to believe that hope cannot die,
That hope no longer dies.

To have hope
Is to live.

Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo -- Scalabrinians Honduras

Body Meditation

2008-10-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

Call to Prayer: Tonight I would like to invite you to enter deeply into your own body. Too often we think of prayer as a way to escape our bodies and the moment, rather than an opportunity to come to know ourselves as loved by God as we are at any time.

Meditation: If people are wearing shoes and socks encourage them to take them off for this exercise. The leader can and should participate in this meditation as well.

Leader:

Find a comfortable sitting position…relax…sit quietly…simply being with yourself…inhale…hold that breath…exhale…inhale…exhale…continue…(allow for a moment of centering quiet)…without moving, and in the same quiet state focus all of you attention on the big toe of your right foot. Sense the presence of that toe as you never have before. Its contentment with simply being there…at the end of your foot. In your heart say a prayer of thanks to God. (moment of silence). Now, focus all of your attention on your entire right foot. Note its peacefulness and tranquility –its lack of anxiety or fear, again say a prayer of thanks to God (moment of silence).

Now, allow its partner, the left foot, into the reflection, pay attention to its quietness…say a prayer of thanks to God for having created it (moment of silence)…Now move up from your feet to the solitude of your shins, thanking God for both of them (moment of silence)…move on now to you torso how peaceful and content it is, thank God for having created it (moment of silence)…Now focus on your chest, thanking God for its presence (moment of silence)…Move to your arms (moment of silence)…Focus on your hands and their stillness, their calm, thank God for having created them and each finger (moment of silence)…Contemplate your neck, its tranquil solitude, thank God for creating it (moment of silence)…Contemplate your head…as you do so pull away to consider your body as a unified whole…at rest and at peace…Go back into your body, very slowly travel through to the various body parts, observing the stillness which pervades everywhere. (allow time for this)

Now, come back out and rest in the quietness of your entire body, all the while thanking God for this body and this moment…[1]

(after a moment of silence begin to read the scripture passage, it is a good idea to have it opened and ready before you begin the meditation to avoid the distraction of fumbling with the pages)

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3: 16-18. (read the passage very slowly and deliberately)

Leader: (read slowly) Become aware of your breathing again. Think of St. Paul’s message. What was on his mind and heart that day? How did he feel about the people he was addressing? Why did he say these particular things to these particular people this particular day? What was his purpose? What was his message? (moment of silence)

(re-read the scripture passage)

Leader: (read slowly) Focus on the audience, the other people in this passage, whose names we do not know… Why are they there? What are their thoughts? What are they seeking? What are their feelings, their prejudices, their fears, their hopes? How do their feelings change as they hear Paul’s message? (allow a moment of silence)

(re-read the scripture)

Leader: (read slowly): Now imagine St. Paul facing you and saying to you these words…How do you feel about St. Paul? Why is he approaching you in this way? What is he really trying to say to you? How would your life change if you allowed this message to take root in your heart? How willing are you to make those changes? (a moment of silence)

Say a prayer within your heart asking God to transform you into the person the scriptures call each of us to be. (A moment of silence)[2]

Discussion:

What does the term ‘contemplation’ mean to you?
What is the relationship between contemplation and action?
In what ways do you see yourself as an image of God?

Closing Prayer:

Glorious Lord Christ:

The divine influence secretly diffused and active

In the depths of matter,

And the dazzling centre

Where all the innumerable fibres of the manifold meet;

Power as implacable as the world and as warm as life;

You whose forehead is of the whiteness of snow,

Whose eyes are of fire,

And whose feet are brighter than molten gold;

You whose hands imprison the stars;

You who are the first and the last,

The living and the dead and the risen again;

You who gather into your exuberant unity

Every mode of existence;

It is you to whom my being cries out

With a desire as vast as the universe:

“In truth you are my Lord and my God.”

--Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, SJ

[1] Modified from Mark E. Thibodeaux, SJ. Armchair Mystic: Easing into Contemplative Prayer. Cincinnati: St. Anthony Messenger, 2001, 42-3.

[2] Modified from Mark E. Thibodeaux, SJ. Armchair Mystic: Easing into Contemplative Prayer. Cincinnati: St. Anthony Messenger, 2001, 82-3.

Gathering Together

2008-09-11T14:35:00.000-07:00

Introduction: As we gather together to share our faith it is important to build community among ourselves. Gathering to reflect on our faith and how it shapes and challenges us is a way to forge bonds with one another and build friendships grounded in a belief in something greater than ourselves. Because this often requires us to enter into a space of vulnerability, revealing our deepest held values, beliefs, and feelings, building strong community and respect among one another is an essential component to this process.

Icebreaker:

“Group Machine”[1]: Everyone here has amazing potential and can accomplish amazing things if everyone works together for a common purpose. Select one of the machines listed below and join together to “become” that machine. Each person needs to become part of that machine: be sure to include sound effects and motions/movements. Try more than one if you want.

Old-time washing machine
Auto assembly line
Sausage making machine
Car engine
Car wash
Diaper changing machine
Steam train
Grandfather clock
Jukebox

Secular Reading:
Clarissa Pinkola Estes: “One Stick-Two Stick”
You may want to consider doing a dramatic reading such as the following:

Begin by calling all of the participants together have them gather close in a circle: In a whisper, forcing them to draw in, say: “Come my friends, gather close together and listen to the wisdom of the old African kings” and hand each of them a stick (it should be a stick which can be easily broken) and say: “Break the stick.” Allow a moment for them to do this. Then say: “This is how it is when a soul is alone without anyone. They can be easily broken.” Now distribute to them sticks gathered and tied into a bundle (it should be about four sticks to a bundle) and say: “This is how I would like you to live after I pass. No one can break the sticks when they are two or more in a bundle. We are strong when we stand with another soul. When we are with another, we cannot be broken.”

Sharing: Tell of a time when you felt ‘broken’ and someone comforted you: How did it feel when you had no one to discuss you problem with? How did it feel to have someone to share your feelings with? Or, tell of a time when someone else was ‘broken’ and you comforted them: How did the person you comforted react to your presence?

How did these experience affect you? What did you learn about the value of community?

Faith Reading: MTTW 18: 15-20

Discuss:

How does community function for Jesus? How can the advice of Jesus shape your faith sharing community?

Think back to the story One Stick-Two Stick and consider it along side Jesus’ words: “where ever two or three are gathered there I am in their midst.” How does this strike you, what does it mean/suggest to you about the role of community in the life of faith? How does community function in relationship to faith

Activity: Set some ground rules to guide and facilitate the building of community so that all feel welcome and comfortable. As you do this recall especially the words of Jesus: “whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven.”

Prayer:

Prayer Leader: Take time to quiet yourself. Close your eyes, get comfortable, let the world around you fade away. Imagine yourself leaning against God. Are you comfortable there? What thoughts and feelings come to you as you rest in God’s arms? Allow yourself to be there in quiet surrender. Receive what God offers you.

Do you have any relationships which foster unhealthy dependency? If so, at what expense to yourself and others? How would your life be different if you were not in this dependent situation? What are your fears of leaving this dependency? Offer these concerns up to the God in whom your are resting.[2]

Open your eyes. Look at those who surround you. This is a community which will not be built upon dependency, rather it is one founded on mutuality—each one giving and receiving, each respecting and affirming the value of the other. Each leaning on one another, the whole leaning on God. Here you can begin to let go of those dependency, and never feel yourself abandoned. Let us pray:

(Pass around the following reading allowing each person to read a section, or select two people to alternate as readers)

Reader 1:
Some people lean against fence posts
When their bodies ache from toil.
Some people lean on Oak trees,
Seeking cool shade on hot humid days.

Reader 2:
Some people lean on crutches
When their limbs won’t work for them;
And some people lean on each other
When their hearts can’t stand alone.

Reader 3:
How long it takes to lean upon you,
God of shelter and strength;
Hoe long it takes to recognize the truth
Of where my inner power has its source.

Reader 4:
All my independence, with its arrogance,
Stands up and stretches within me,
Trying to convince my trembling soul
That I can conquer troubles on my own.

Reader 5:
But the day of truth always comes
When I finally yield to you, God,
Knowing you are a steady stronghold,
A refuge when times are tough.

Reader 6:
Thank you for offering me strength,
For being the oak tree of comfort;
Thank you being the sturdy support
When the limbs of my life are weak.

Reader 7:
Praise to you, Eternal Lean-to,
For always being there for me.
Continue to transform me
With the power of your love.
Amen.[3]
[1] Steve Sheely. Jumps Starts and Soft Landings: 101 More Ways to Kick off and End Meetings. Littleton: Serendipity, 1997, 90.
[2] Modified from: Joyce Rupp, May I Have This Dance. Notre Dame: Ave Maria, 1992, 48-9.
[3] Joyce Rupp, May I Have This Dance. Notre Dame: Ave Maria, 1992, 41-2.

Solidarity

2008-08-13T19:06:00.000-07:00

Play the song One Voice – by the Wailn’ Jennys

Leader say, “In this song, the lyrics speak of one voice, a kind of connectedness that we experience with all of humanity. This song illustrates simply one of the themes of Catholic Social Teaching, solidarity.

So what is solidarity? Solidarity is more than what is commonly meant by the word interdependence. The fact that we are linked to one another in a variety of ways is interdependence. But individuals may acknowledge this fact while being resentful or indifferent toward it, even as they take advantage of the others with whom they are interconnected. Interdependence does not rule out domination or exploitation.

Solidarity, on the other hand, moves interdependence to another level, beyond acknowledging the fact of interdependence. Solidarity shapes the response we should have to interdependence, evoking within us a desire to build the bonds of common life. As a virtue, solidarity, in the words of John Paul II, is not a feeling of vague compassion but a “firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good” (Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, #38). Solidarity shapes the character of a person so that mere recognition of interdependence is transformed into a commitment to the common good. It is solidarity that enables people to devote themselves “to the good of all and of each individual, because we are all really responsible for all” (Ibid.)”

Then say, “I know this is a lot to take in and may be hard to understand, so lets take some time to reflect on some quotes on solidarity. “ Hand out Solidarity Quote Sheet and Reflection questions and pencils.
Then say, “We will take about 10 minutes to reflect quietly. When looking over the hand out feel free to underline or highlight those things that really resonate with you and then answer the first two reflection questions. When we are finished we will take some time to talk about your answers. “

After everyone seems to be done writing (about 10 mns.) Ask them to share some of their reflections. What hit them? IS solidarity a new concept for them? If so, do they think it is an important and valuable way of being in the world? Is living in solidarity connected to being a person of faith?
Optional opening/closings – Use the reflection on homelessness as a lead in and close with the song or use the litany of remembrance as a closing.

“Young people say, "What good can one person do? What is the sense of our small effort?" They cannot see that we must lay one brick at a time, take one step at a time; we can be responsible only for the one action of the present moment. But we can beg for an increase of love in our hearts that will vitalize and transform all our individual actions, and know that God will take them and multiply them, as Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes.
The greatest challenge of the day is: how to bring about a revolution of the heart, a revolution which has to start with each one of us? When we begin to take the lowest place, to wash the feet of others, to love our brothers [and sisters] with that burning love, that passion, which led to the Cross, then we can truly say, 'Now I have begun.'" Let us begin with one action.”
~Dorothy Day

Take some time to reflect on the solidarity quote sheet. What quotes really resonate with you? What does the word solidarity mean to you?

Does living in solidarity connect with being a person of faith? Why or why not?

Litany of Remembrance

We remember the children of the world. As Jesus called to the children to come to him, so we gather in prayer the children of our world who are hurting. We embrace them with loving kindness and with a desire to mend the systems that bring such pain to their young lives.

We remember the children:

…who will go hungry today,

…who are plagued by addiction,

…who have no one to teach them to read,

…who are handicapped and unattended,

…who do not know love,

…who live in filth and degradation,

…who have no friends,

…who are not listened to,

…who have never been sung to or read to or taken by the hand or experienced beauty,

…who are shunned or mistreated because of their color, their religion, or the place they live,

…who have no awareness of their inner goodness,

…who have stopped believing in love,

…who are filled with anger and hate,

…who are receiving a poor education,

…who are ill or in pain,

…who are grieving the death of a loved one,

…who are suffering from AIDS,

…who feel lonely, desolate, and unloved,

…who are filled with fear for their lives,

…who hear only harsh words and hostile language,

…who have been bruised, beaten, and mutilated,

…who hide in fear from the sounds of war,

…who are victims,

…who have no hope.

Yes, we pray for the children of our world today and we pray for each man and woman of this world, including ourselves, that we will do our part to create better living conditions for these children. Show us the way and prod us into action, God of justice and compassion

Reflection on homelessness

This story is true. I do not want money for it, and if it does get chosen for money, please give it to a child’s trust fund for when they are 18. You choose the child.

My name is Brian. I don’t wish to give anything else because I am ashamed of my homeless way right now.

What’s it like being homeless? To be homeless is not even having paper to write on, so you use a paper bag. Next time you have to use the bathroom, go outside and find a place. Or go outside and wait until 6:45 PM. That’s when the mission opens up and then you can go after you sign up. Or try to find some place private enough to use the bathroom downtown. If you don’t have any money, you can’t use a bathroom. So what do you do when you have to go real bad?

Because you are homeless, it is not easy to keep clean. Some people that are homeless have given up because it’s not east to take a shower every day when you don’t have a shower or money to wash your clothes. You probably are saying to use a hose. Well ok, I don’t have and problem with that, but it’s cold. And if someone sees you, they call the police.

When you are homeless, you can hardly wait for the sun to come up so it will warm up. So next time you’re outside and you’re cold, just wait until the sun comes up. Or maybe you can panhandle enough so you can get yourself a beer so you can get out of the cold for a while.

You’re so embarrassed that you’re homeless that you can’t get in touch with a friend to help you. Being homeless is not as easy as I hear you rich people talk, because I used to be a little rich myself, thinking this would never happen to me. But boy was I wrong. I challenge you to try to be homeless for one week, not calling anyone for help. Just live out in the streets. If it is as easy as you people say it is, please come show us, you get in tour car and go where you want. I wonder where I am going to get 50 cents for the bus.

There is no change of getting ahead. These days, labor only pays you $4.25 and hour. So what. I am use to $8 to $14 an hour, until our damn president shut down my job.

But I am still not done yet. Do you know what it is like to see rich people in cars? I wonder what is must be like to have money in my pocket again, to take a shower when I want, to be a somebody, nice warm bed, wishing that you were me and I was you at the wheel of your car, getting out of the cold when I want to.

Do you know that when you’re homeless you don’t even have a place to put your stuff like extra clothes? The mission or Salvation Army won’t let you. So you put your stuff someplace and hope they don’t rip it off while you’re trying to get some money up so you can get a place to live. While you sleep outside at night, you just hope someone don’t come along and slice you through, just to get what little pocket change you have.

What I have told you is just a piece of what it is like being homeless. If I told you all of it, you would puke because you’re not accustom to what it is like out here. You do whatever it takes. So my story ends for now.

Exploring Relationships

2008-08-13T19:05:00.000-07:00

relationships…

Who are the most important people to me in my life right now?

What qualities do they have that make them important to me?

Who are the people I am most important to?

What qualities do I possess that make me a good friend?

One thing about me that I’d like to change, something that is a block for me in my relationships is…

Relationships that I feel good about are my relationships with…

These relationships are valuable to me because…

Relationships that are difficult for me right now are my relationships with…

What has happened in one or more of these relationships that has made it difficult?

In regard to relationships, I thank God for…

In regard to relationships, I ask God for…

Silence

2008-08-13T19:04:00.000-07:00

for a simple and quiet night with your koinonia group, use this reflection, scripture passages, and closing prayer, along with periods of silence, to consider how silence plays a role in our lives…

reflection…
Silence is sound from the future, an intimation of eternity. Eternity has begun for me. I carry eternity within me; it is slowly, silently growing out of me. More is becoming eternalized, forevered. “Whoever really possesses the Word of Jesus can sense also his silence” (Ignatius of Antioch). Silence is our way of going into the desert, into eternity.

We each carry our own depth of silence, the human kind of silence not found anywhere else… Silence is a presence, a receptivity, a readiness, a waiting, a listening. There are different kinds of silence, expressing contentment, fullness, or emptiness. Silence has many different faces, meanings. There is the silence of wisdom and the silence of ignorance, the silence of humility and the silence of poverty, the silence of anger and the silence of love. There is the silence of Jesus among us for thirty years, the silence of Nazareth, of Bethlehem, of the desert, of the nights on the mountain.

There is the silence of nature, the turning of the earth, its movement around the sun, the silence of the sun, the moon, the stars, the ground. Noise is but interrupted silence. Hear the silence of history, of death, the silence of clouds, of snow, the silence of flowers, of all growing things, of trees, mountains, dawn, sunset. Hear the silence of candles burning, the silence of cemeteries, the silence of God, nature, people; of love, grace, sacrifice. Silence is the special sacrament of God’s presence.
Edward Farrell

scripture…
A spirit glided past my face; the hair of my flesh bristled. It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance. A form was before my eyes; there was silence, then I heard a voice. Job 4:15-16

…without a word, without a sound, without a voice being heard, yet their message fills the world, their news reaches its rim. Psalm 19:4-5

It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. It is good…to sit along in silence when the Lord has imposed it. Lamentations 3:26-28

But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him! Habakkuk 2:20

But when he was accused by the chief priests and elder, he did not answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many accusations they make against you?” But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed. Matthew 27:12-14

prayer…
We bless you, Lord, for this time of silence and for the space and peace it brings. Help us to treasure the precious gift of silence and to resist the temptation of putting it off till later. As we discover you in the times of silence, may our lives be blessed with new depth and tranquility. Amen.

The Church of My Dreams

2008-08-13T19:03:00.000-07:00

Opening
Say, Tonight we are going to be talking about the church and to start things off I would like to lead us in a guided meditation.

Guided Meditation (Read through a number of times before the session so you can read it reflectively with plenty of pauses)
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath…letting go of any worries of the past or future…just being in this moment….imagining God’s love surrounding you…washing over you…filling you up with peace. Now I want you to just think about the word church. What images does that word bring up for you…people praying, crosses, communion, pews, kneelers, friends, rosary, maybe there are painful memories associated with the church…moments of rejoicing…memories of sacraments….healing moment…moments of reconciliation and forgiveness…of welcoming or being welcomed..stay with those experiences for just a moment…
Now, no matter what your experience of church has been in the past I invite you to lovingly set those experiences aside just for a moment and create a space in your heart for God to speak to you of a new church…a church that is to be dreamt of within your heart and imagination……PAUSE…
I want you to imagine the church of your dreams…what does it look like physically….are there alters and pews….people sitting on couches….where are people positioned? What kind of symbols or art work are used? Is there incense, special music…there are not limits to this, because this is your dream church…that God is dreaming up in you…so just let your imagination soar… Who is presiding at the service…one person or many….men, women, children… what is each of their roles? Is there a diversity of people…ages, ethnic backgrounds, classes, sexual orientation....who are the people in your dream church? How do you celebrate? What kind of music is sung, if any… Is there a Eucharistic celebration or communion? How are people welcomed? What is the feeling to your church…is there energy, excitement, sadness, fear, joy, peace, is there a feeling or welcoming and openness?… Is forgiveness and healing a part of your church? What role does working for justice play in your church?......What is your role in the church? Do you have a special role as presider, musician, reader…….now just sit back and in your minds eye take a picture of this church…experience the sights, the sound, the smells…all the feelings experienced with this new dream church…PAUSE for about a minute…..when you are ready open your eyes

Activity
Say, God uses our imagination to dream new dreams and to bring about God’s vision for the world. So I just want to take a moment for us to share some of the images and ideas from your dream church. On a piece of chart paper –titled “Our Dream Church” write down their ideas and images. Help them to come to a consensus about there dream church and to express why things are important to them. After everyone has had a chance to speak and all their ideas are out lead them in a discussion using the following questions (or do the optional activity and come back to these questions):
What do you like best about your dream church?
How does this dream church differ from your own experience of church if at all?
Who is responsible for making these dreams a reality?
How can we make this dream church a reality?

To round out your discussion, read the following statements:
The Church is equal parts mystery and equal parts mess.
- Theologian, Eugene Peterson
If anyone loved the church of their dreams more than the real church then soon they would not belong to any church on this planet.
-Theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer
What do these two statements say to you? Do you agree? Disagree? Why or why not?

Optional Activity:
After listing all of their images and ideas about their dream church, have them take those ideas and use construction paper, crayons, markers, glitter, poster board, tape, pipe cleaners, etc. to build their church. After they have completed their church or while they are in the process of creating, lead them in discussion, using the above questions.

Closing
Close with a circle prayer inviting students to voice their intentions and thanksgiving. End with the following prayer and a sign of peace.

The Church of My Dreams

This is the church of my dreams;
The church of the warm heart,
Of the open mind,
Of the adventurous spirit;
The church that cares,
That heals hurt lives,
That comforts old people,
That challenges youth;
That knows no division of culture or class,
No frontiers, geographical or social;
The church that inquires as it upholds,
That looks forward as well as backward;
The church of the Master,
The church of the people,
High as the ideals of Jesus,
Low as the humblest human;
A working church
A worshipping church,
A winsome church,
A church that interprets the truth in terms of truth,
That inspires for this life and hope for the life to come;
A church of courage,
A church of all good men and women,
A church of the living God.
-adapted from John Milton Moore, The Treasure Chest

Elections

2008-08-13T18:58:00.000-07:00

Civic Responsibility

a session to prepare your group members to participate in the upcoming election…

because we are people who believe in god,
who trust in the goodness of the individuals who create our society,
who have hope for the world,
we must be responsible citizens.

tonight, invite your group to share stories, to ask questions, to voice insights,
about the upcoming election and how they will choose to participate in it.

as a way of beginning the conversation, spread the quote sheets around the room. let the group know that each page contains a quote or two from a particular document of catholic social teaching. invite everyone to take a turn at each page—reading the quote and writing down any thoughts or questions that the quote brings to mind. once everyone has had the chance to read and write on each page, bring the pages to the circle, and go through them one by one. allow these quotes and everyone’s reactions to them to guide a conversation about how we are called to participate in the political life of our society
and what that might mean for each of us.

these questions may also help to direct the conversation:
how do these quotes affect my desire to participate in the november election?
in what other ways can i be a citizen of faithful action?
what is overwhelming about all of this? what is inspiring?
how do i let my own light shine in a way that might contribute to the betterment of our society?

as a way of closing your evening together in prayer, invite everyone to voice their current prayers, read the reflection, and play the song. end with the sign of peace.

Every citizen also has the responsibility to work to secure justice and human rights through an organized social response.
-Economic Justice for All (#120)

It is in keeping with their dignity as persons that human being should take an active part in government.
-Peace on Earth (#73)

To take politics seriously at its different levels -- local, regional, national and worldwide -- is to affirm the duty of all people to recognize the concrete reality and the value of the freedom of choice that is offered to them to seek to bring about both the good of the city and of the nation and of humanity. Politics are a demanding manner -- but not the only one -- of living the Christian commitment to the service of others.
-A Call to Action (#46)

Christians must be conscious of their specific and proper role in the political community; they should be a shining example by their sense of responsibility and their dedication to the common good; they should show in practice how authority can be reconciled with freedom, personal initiative with solidarity and the needs of the social framework as a whole, and the advantages of unity with the benefits of diversity.
-The Church in the Modern World (#75)

Once again we exhort our children to take an active part in public life, and to contribute towards the attainment of the common good of the entire human family as well as to that of their own country. They should endeavor, therefore, in the light of the faith and with the strength of love, to ensure that the various institutions--whether economic, social, cultural or political in purpose -- should be such as not to create obstacles, but rather to facilitate or render less arduous humanity's perfectioning of itself both in the natural order as well as in the supernatural.
-Peace on Earth (#146)

Citizens should cultivate a generous and loyal spirit of patriotism, but without narrow-mindedness, so that they will always keep in mind the welfare of the entire human family which is formed into one by various kinds of links between races, peoples, and nations.
-The Church in the Modern World (#75)

Civic and political education is today supremely necessary for the people, especially young people. Such education should be painstakingly provided, so that all citizens can make their contribution to the political community.
Let those who are suited for it, or can become so, prepare themselves for the difficult but most honorable art of politics. Let them work to exercise this art without thought of personal convenience and without benefit of bribery. Prudently and honorably let them fight against injustice and oppression, the arbitrary rule of one person or one party, and lack of tolerance. Let them devote themselves to the welfare of all sincerely and fairly, indeed with charity and political courage.
-The Church in the Modern World (#75)

Citizens, on the other hand, should remember that it is their right and duty, which is also to be recognized by the civil authority, to contribute to the true progress of their own community according to their ability.
-The Church in the Modern World (#65)

Political parties, for their part, must support whatever in their opinion is conducive to the common good, but must never put their own interests before the common good.
-The Church in the Modern World (#75)

from HOLY THE FIRM
by Annie Dillard

…Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? There is no one but us. There is no one to send, nor a clean hand, nor a pure heart on the face of the earth, nor in the earth, but only us, a generation comforting ourselves with the notion that we have come at an awkward time, that our innocent fathers are all dead—as if innocence had ever been—and our children busy and troubled, and we ourselves unfit, not yet ready, having each of us chosen wrongly, made a false start, failed, yielded to impulse and the tangled comfort of pleasures, and grown exhausted, unable to seek the thread, weak, and involved. But there is no one but us. There never has been.

LET IT BE ME
by the indigo girls

sticks and stones, battle zones
a single light bulb on a single thread for the black
sirens wail, history fails
rose-colored glass begins to age and crack
while the politicians shadowbox the power ring
in an endless split decision never solve anything
from a neighbor's distant land
i heard the strain of the common man

let it be me
(this is not a fighting song)
let it be me
(not a wrong for a wrong)
let it be me
if the world is night
shine my life like a light

well the world seems spent
and the president has no good idea of who the masses are
well i'm one of them and i'm among friends
trying to see beyond the fences of our own backyard
i've seen kingdoms blow like ashes in the winds of change
but the power of truth is the fuel for the flame
so the darker the ages get there's a stronger beacon yet

in the kind word you speak, in the turn of the cheek
when your vision stays clear in the face of your fear
then you see turning off a light switch is their only power
when we stand like spotlights in a mighty tower
all for one and one for all
then we sing the common call

What I Value

2008-08-13T18:57:00.001-07:00

what i value…

If you knew you only had 6 months to live, what would you do in that time?
What keeps you from doing those things in your life anyway?

Who do you love and respect and why?

I want people to describe me to others as…

List five goals you want to accomplish in your lifetime, and tell what role your values have
in shaping those goals.

If your house were burning and your family and pets had safely gotten out of the house, what three things would you take with you and why?

What do you spend your time doing?
Are these things in harmony or in conflict with your values?

The First Principle and Foundation - Ignatian Spirituality

2008-08-13T18:55:00.000-07:00

The First Principle and Foundation
-St. Ignatius, as paraphrased by David L. Fleming, S.J.

The goal of our life is to live with God forever.
God, who loves us, gave us life.
Our own response of love allows God’s life
to flow into us without limit.

All the things in this world are gifts of God,
presented to us so that we can know God more easily
and make a return of love more readily.

As a result, we appreciate and use all these gifts of God
insofar as they help us develop as loving persons.
But if any of these gifts become the center of our lives,
they displace God
and so hinder our growth toward our goal.

In everyday life, then, we must hold ourselves in balance
before all of these created gifts insofar as we have a choice
and are not bound by some obligation.
We should not fix on desires on health or sickness, wealth or poverty, success or failure,
a long life or short one.
For everything has the potential of calling forth in us
a deeper response to our life in God.

Our only desire and our one choice should be this:
I want and I choose what better leads
to God’s deepening his life in me.

Compassion and Contemplation

2008-08-13T18:54:00.002-07:00

On compassion and the contemplative life…

Often I have said to people, “I will pray for you” but how often did I really enter into the full reality of what that means? I now see how indeed I can enter deeply into the other and pray to God from his center. When I really bring my friends and the many I pray for into my innermost being and feel their pain, their struggles, their cries, in my own soul, then I have compassion. Compassion lies at the heart of our prayer for our fellow human beings. When I pray for the world, I become the world; when I pray for the endless needs of the millions, my soul expands and wants to embrace them all and bring them into the presence of God. But in the midst of that experience, I realize that compassion is not mine but God’s gift to me. I cannot embrace the world, but God can. I cannot pray, but God can pray in me. When God became as we are—that is when God allowed all of us to enter into his intimate life—it became possible for us to share in his infinite compassion.
In praying for other, I lose myself and become the other, only to be found by the divine love which holds the whole of humanity in a compassionate embrace.

Inner Peace

2008-08-13T18:54:00.001-07:00

If you are afraid that peace of mind might make your life dull, uninteresting and boring, you do not have to worry about that. You can enjoy life with a peaceful mind. In fact you will enjoy it more, because you will experience calmness, happiness and inner strength. You will not feel threatened by anything. You will have constant inner joy.

You might need to give up some activities that agitate your mind, but the rewards are greater than these activities. When you begin to appreciate the benefits of a peaceful mind, and start experiencing real peace, you will love and enjoy it. It will become more precious to you, than many other activities you loved and enjoyed until now.

You will be able to enjoy an action movie or a thriller, yet stay calm and relaxed. You will be able to enjoy a football game, while at the same time your mind is at peace. You will be able to enjoy food, physical exercises, your hobbies or anything else, while you mind is enjoying peace.

Performing inner work to gain inner peace, will in time turn peace of mind into a natural habit.

Think about all the anger, resentment, unhappiness, physical and mental tension, nervousness, quarrels and the waste of time and energy that resulted from lack of inner peace, and you will start to appreciate the importance of gaining real peace of mind.

Busyness

2008-08-13T18:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, O Lord, was a frantic day
Of running and driving and chasing—
a 24-hour blur of sights and sounds.
Your calm, your still small voice, was drowned
by the rumble of traffic, the boom of stereo loud speakers,
the drone of gossip, the scream of arguments,
the blare of television, the ring of phones,
the pound of headaches that beat like bass drums.

Lost in a circus of sounds, O Lord, was your golden voice
that was a whisper of comfort as soft as a kitten’s purr, a love’s kiss, a child’s embrace.

Buried amidst the cacophony of noise, O Lord, was your calm assurance
that was intended to come as silently as a cloud sailing the sky,
a ray of light, a smile, a bird in flight.

Help me today to rediscover your nearness—
to quiet my soul and hear you speak,
to shut out the sounds of people, traffic, and music;
that I may again hear the sounds of your silence, so deep within my heart.

The Slow work of God

2008-08-13T18:48:00.000-07:00

Above all, trust in the slow work of God.
We are, quite naturally, impatient in everything to reach the end without delay.
We should like to skip the intermediate stages.
We are impatient of being on the way to something unknown, something new;
And yet it is the law of all progress that it is made by passing through some stages of instability
And that it may take a very long time.

And so I think it is with you—
Your ideas mature gradually—let them grow.
Let them shape themselves, without undue haste.
Don’t try to force them on,
As though you could be today
What time (that is to say, grace and circumstances acting on your own good will)
Will make you tomorrow

Only God could say what this new spirit,
Gradually forming within you,
Will be.
Give our Lord the benefit of believing that his hand is leading you,
And accept the anxiety of feeling yourself in suspense and incomplete.

-Teilhard de Chardin

Gifts

2008-08-13T18:47:00.000-07:00

Use this scripture reading, reflection, song, and closing prayer, to have a Koinonia session that invites you to LOOK WITHIN at the GIFTS you have to OFFER.

SCRIPTURE… Luke 21:1-4
He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”

REFLECTION… by Donal Harrington and Julie Kavanagh
God has given to each of us the most precious gift—more precious even than the great pearl in the field. It is a gift that remains unopened until we reach deep within ourselves and begin to embrace it. As a gift from God it does not hold the same limits as our human understanding. It is, indeed, difficult to image its height and its depth, its length and its breadth. But it is within us, at the very heart of who we are, present from the first moment of the Spirit’s breath moving through our being. How sad it would be to reach our final moments and realized that we have never tasted of our gift, that we were too afraid to reach in and accept what God has given us from our first moment of life. How sad it would be to arrive at the end of our journey having never fully lived, having never broken open for the world the treasure within us—the pearl in each of our hearts, the coin of the widow.

SONG… The Pearl by Emmylou Harris
O the dragons are gonna fly tonight
They're circling low and inside tonight
It's another round in the losing fight
Out along the great divide tonight
We are aging soldiers in an ancient war
Seeking out some half remembered shore
We drink our fill and still we thirst for more
Asking if there's no heaven what is this hunger for?
Our path is worn our feet are poorly shod
We lift up our prayer against the odds
And fear the silence is the voice of God, of God
And we cry Allelujah, Allelujah, We cry Allelujah
Sorrow is constant and the joys are brief
The seasons come and bring no sweet relief
Time is a brutal but a careless thief
Who takes our lot but leaves behind the grief
It is the heart that kills us in the end
Just one more old broken bone that cannot mend
As it was now and ever shall be amen
And we cry Allelujah, Allelujah, We cry Allelujah
So there'll be no guiding light for you and me
We are not sailors lost out on the sea
We were always headed toward eternity
Hoping for a glimpse of Galilee
Like falling stars from the universe we are hurled
Down through the long loneliness of the world
Until we behold the pain become the pearl, the pearl
Cryin´ Allelujah, Allelujah, We cry Allelujah
And we cry Allelujah Allelujah, We cry Allelujah

CLOSING PRAYER… by Donal Harrington and Julie Kavanagh
Blessed be the Lord, source of our inner voice,
in whose grace we listen to ourselves,
in whose wisdom we discover what we have to give,
in whose courage we come to dare,
in whose protection we learn to trust,
in whose giving we learn to yield,
in whose living we learn to die,
in whose dying we learn to live.
Amen.

Modern Day Shepherds

2008-08-13T18:44:00.000-07:00

Remembering and Giving Thanks for our “shepherds”
The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matt 18:10-14)
10"See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.[a]
12"What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.
What thoughts or images come to mind when you think of the word shepherd?

Who are the people- special friendships, teachers, family members who have been your shepherds in the past? How did they play a role in your life?

Who are your shepherds today? How does Koinonia act as a shepherd to me?

Who do you shepherd?

After some discussion, possibly take some time to write letters of thanksgiving to those who have been your shepherds in the past.

A practice in listening

2008-08-13T18:42:00.000-07:00

A practice in listening….

Prior to the meeting, have each group member bring in something to share that they value and be ready to share a story about what significance this item has.

Tonight is a night about listening. So often in life we get into conversations with people and rarely are we totally present. Tonight we are going to focus our attention on listening without responding but just being open and receptive to what is being shared. We come together to share things that we value…to speak and to be heard. To start things off, I would like us to just take a moment to be quiet and listen to our own inner voice and to get centered…So sit back and relax, focus on your breathing…let go of any worries just for tonight…and be present to this moment…and just listen….hear your breath as it goes in and out through your nose, feel your chest rise and fall, hear the stillness with in….if your mind starts to wander, just go back and listen to your breath…..(take 3-5mins of silence)

Then read the following…..

Listening is like weaving a new pattern with two different life stories stretched out on the same loom. After a story is told and received with care, the lives of two people have become different. Two people have discovered their own unique stories and two people have become and integral part of a new fellowship.

There is nothing quite so sacred, so fragile, or so mysterious as the human being. There is probably no service we can render other persons quite as great or important as to be listener and receiver to them in those moments when they need to open their hearts and tell someone their story.

You may open your eyes…

…So let us listen to one another tonight with attentiveness, focusing our attention on the person speaking…not thinking about what we are ourselves will share, but being totally present to each other in our sharing…if we find our minds drifting…just gently come back to the person speaking and focus on their sharing. We will just take time to hear each person and not make a response initially, but we will let our gift be our listening. In doing this we will create a sacred space of holy listening…so sit back and enjoy the freedom of listening and being really heard.

Who would like to share first??

Some ideas for discussion….

How do you listen as a group in Koinonia? As individuals? Did you feel like you were really heard tonight? What was it like to really be heard? How did it feel to just talk without response? Was this freeing or did you feel like you wanted a response? Was the community around you being attentive, enough feedback to let you know you are valued and loved? Do you think this listening strengthen us as a community?

End the evening with quiet prayer… holding hands…say a prayer either aloud or in the quiet of your heart and squeeze the persons hand to your right to signal you are finished. End with the sign of peace.

Loving Kindness Meditation

2008-08-13T14:41:00.000-07:00

Loving Kindness Meditation

Welcome. Tonight we come together to take refuge from the cold if we are a part of shanty town or maybe to take refuge from our hectic day. No matter what brought us here, it is good that we are here together to recognize Gods goodness and presence in our lives.

I invite you to just sit back, get comfortable as I lead you in a loving kindness meditation. Once I am finished, I will put on some soft music for you to just be quiet and aware of God’s presence. The prayer will end at 11:30 at which time I will turn off the music and we can make our way back to our daily lives.

Take a few deep breaths, relax your body. Feel your energy settle into your body and into the moment.
Breathing in God’s love …Exhaling any anxiety or stress
Breathing in God’s compassion…exhaling any feelings of separateness
Breathing in God’s peace…

As you sit, what emerges from your heart that express what you wish most deeply for yourself, not just for today, but in an enduring way. Phrases that are big enough and general enough that you can ultimately wish them for all of life, for all beings everywhere.

The phrases I am going to use throughout this meditation are, "May I live in safety. May I be happy. May I be healthy. May I live with ease." You can use these phrases or let your own phrase emerge…

Gently repeat these phrases over and over again, have your mind rest in the phrases and whenever you find your attention has wandered, don't worry about it. When you recognize you've lost touch with the moment, see if you can gently let go and begin again.

May I live in safety, be happy, be healthy, live with ease. May I live in safety, be happy, be healthy, live with ease. Just stay with these phrases….
(wait 3-4 minutes)

Call to mind somebody that you care about--a good friend, or someone who's helped you in your life, someone who inspires you. You can visualize them, say their name to yourself. Get a feeling for their presence, and then direct the phrases of lovingkindness to them. May you live in safety, be happy, be healthy, live with ease.
(wait 3-4 minutes)

Call to mind someone you know who's having a difficult time right now. They've experienced a loss, painful feeling, a difficult situation. Someone you have seen on the street, in a shelter, who lives in poverty. If somebody like that comes to mind, bring them here.
Imagine them sitting in front of you. Say their name. Get a feeling for their presence and offer the phrases of lovingkindness to them. "May you live in safety. Be happy. Be healthy,
live with ease."
(wait 3-4 minutes)
Think of someone who plays some role in your life, some function that you don't know very well, that you don't have a particular feeling for, or against. Maybe the checkout person at the supermarket where you shop, the gas-station attendant, somebody that you see periodically. If someone like that comes to mind, imagine them sitting in front of you, and offer these same phrases of lovingkindness to them.
May you live in safety. Be happy. Be healthy, live with ease.

(wait 3-4 minutes)

We connect into these phrases, aiming the heart in this way, we're opening ourselves to the possibility of including, rather than excluding, of connecting, rather than overlooking, of caring, rather than being indifferent. And ultimately, we open in this way to all beings everywhere, without distinction, without separation.

May all beings live in safety, be happy, be healthy, live with ease.

All people, all animals, all creatures, all those in existence, near and far, known to us and unknown to us. All beings on the earth, in the air, in the water. Those being born, those dying.

May all beings everywhere live in safety, be happy, be healthy, live with ease.

Feel the energy of this desire extending infinitely in front of you, to either side, behind you, above and below. As the heart extends in a boundless way, leaving no one out, may all beings live in safety, be happy, be healthy, live with ease.

Feel free to stay in this space for as long as you wish…and when you feel ready, open your eyes and bring this energy with you throughout your evening, going in peace….

16 Squares

2008-08-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

16 squares

Fold an 8 ½ X 11 piece of paper into 16 squares. In each square write one of the following.

4 experiences that you highly value
4 people who have impacted your life and that you love
4 values that make you who you are
4 places that you love to be at or visit

Once complete – Say something like, “if you had to let go of some of these values, places, experiences or people, which would you let go of?....”
Cross out 4 squares
Cross out 4 more
Cross out 2 squares
Cross out 2 squares
Cross out 2 squares
Cross out 1 squares

Discussion Questions

How was this activity for you? Which items were easy for you to come up with? Which were harder to come up with? Once we began taking things away, what was challenging? What was easy? How does this help you clarify what is important to you?

Close with a prayer of gratitude for these people, places, and experiences.