Team Spiritual Care:Be with People who are Going Someplace



Sister Kateri Theriault






It’s no accident that people often talk about the spiritual life as a faith journey. Early Christians defined themselves as “people of the Way”—recognizing Christ as the Way they were going. Theirs was no static definition of religion that obliged them only to sit still and memorize the facts of faith for later retrieval. They knew that following Jesus implied they were on the move, going somewhere, making progress, changing and growing, hoping to arrive at some magnificent destination. Are you part of the people of the Way today? Or do you tell yourself that being in the pews means you’ve already arrived?

TODAY’S READINGS: Acts 18:23-28; John 16:23b-28 (296)

“Apollos. . . . had been instructed in the Way of the Lord.”

CONTRIBUTORS

Alice Camille, Daniel Grippo, Father Larry Janowski, O.F.M., Ann O’Connor, Siobhán O’Neill, Joel Schorn, Patrice J. Tuohy, Sister Julie Vieira, I.H.M

Team Spiritual Care: Pass on the Works of Wisdom

Sister Kareri Theriault

People who work with their hands have an intimate connection with their labor, and because of that as a rule they take great pride in and care of what they do. Though you don’t hear much about Joseph or his relationship with Jesus in the biblical accounts, it does not seem a stretch to imagine him patiently teaching his craft to young Jesus and imparting a lot of wisdom along the way. Whatever your own line of work may be, you do well to stay connected to its basic dignity and share that value with a young person in your own life. In doing so you will be shaping a future life in the same quiet way Joseph did.



TODAY’S READINGS: For the memorial: Genesis 1:26-2:3 or Colossians 3:14-15, 17, 23-24; Matthew 13:54-58 (559)

“ ‘Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter’s son?’”



CONTRIBUTORS

Alice Camille, Daniel Grippo, Father Larry Janowski, O.F.M., Ann O’Connor, Siobhán O’Neill, Joel Schorn, Patrice J. Tuohy, Sister Julie Vieira, I.H.M.

Team Spiritual Care: Gone Fishing

Sister Kateri Theriault

In 1951 Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong recorded “Gone Fishing,” a song that playfully extolled the benefits of leaving cares and troubles behind for some quiet time on a lake. Seems the Apostle Peter took the same approach when, not quite sure what to do with himself after Jesus’ death, he headed out on the Sea of Tiberius to see what he could catch. Not only does he end up with a boatload of fish, but he encounters the risen Lord in the process. Sometimes when a difficult problem or heavy burden seems too much to bear, the best medicine is a day off for some alone time. By doing so you may not only find the solution you lacked but also touch base with your deepest values.

TODAY’S READINGS: Acts 4:1-12; John 21:1-14 (265)
“Simon Peter said to them, ‘I am going fishing.’ ”

CONTRIBUTORS

Alice Camille, Daniel Grippo, Father Larry Janowski, O.F.M., Ann O’Connor, Siobhán O’Neill, Joel Schorn, Patrice J. Tuohy, Sister Julie Vieira, I.H.M.

Team Spiritual Care: The True Self

Sister Kateri Theriault

“Jesus’ life and his risen body say . . . that the discovery of our own divine DNA is the only, full, and final meaning of being human. The True Self is neither God nor human. The True Self is both at the same time, and both are a total gift.” — Richard Rohr

Team Spiritual Care: Consumed with Self

Sister Kateri Therault

Modern Culture Modern culture isn't in bad shape because of what it consumes. Modern culture is in bad shape because it's so consumed with self. — from Tweet Inspiration

Team Spiritual Care: God and Gender

Meditation 19 of 52

Most people (not all) first experienced unconditional love not through the image of a man, but through the image of their mother. She therefore became the basis for many people’s real and operative God. I am convinced that many people sour on religion because the God they are presented with is actually less loving than their Mother and/or Father was. For much of the human race, the mother has been the one who “parts the veil” for us, and opens us up to any inner life of emotions or soul. She gives us that experience of grounding, intimacy, tenderness, and safety that most of us hope for from God. However, many people also operate from a toxic and negative image of God. For those people, little that is wonderful is going to happen as long as that is true. Early growth in spirituality is often about healing that inner image, whether male based or female based. Most of us know that God is beyond gender. When we look at the Book of Genesis, we see that the first thing God is looking for is quite simply “images” by which to communicate who-God-is (Genesis 1:26-27). God is not looking for servants, for slaves, or for people who are going to pass loyalty tests. God is just looking for images—“images and likenesses” of the Inner Mystery. Whoever God “is,” is profoundly and essentially what it means to be both male and female in perfect balance. We have to find and to trust images that present both a healthy feminine face for God and a healthy masculine face for God. Both are true and both are necessary for a vital and loving relationship with God. Up to now, we have largely relied upon the presented masculine images of God (which closed many people down) while, in fact, our inner life is much more drawn to a loving feminine energy. That is much of our religious problem today, and I do not believe that is an exaggeration. Adapted from On Transformation: Collected Talks, Volume 1: The Maternal Face of God

Team Spiritual Care: Give the Gift of Love

Sister Kateri Theriault
Mission Integration

One of the keys to Lenten conversion is almsgiving, a word seldom heard except in church, which might be apt because while altruism can often be found among all good people, there is something more here than acts of charity. In his First Letter to the Corinthians, Saint Paul says, “If I give away everything I own . . . but do not have love, I gain nothing.” It is the love, your attitude toward the other, not the thing given or even the sacrifice in giving that matters; it is the love that must motivate the gesture. It’s not only, “Shall I give this person a few dollars?” but also, “shall I—can I—love them?”

TODAY’S READINGS: Jeremiah 17:5-10; Luke 16:19-31 (233)
“I, the Lord, alone probe the mind and test the heart, to reward everyone according to his ways.”

CONTRIBUTORS

Alice Camille, Daniel Grippo, Father Larry Janowski, O.F.M., Ann O’Connor, Siobhán O’Neill, Joel Schorn, Patrice J. Tuohy, Sister Julie Vieira, I.H.M.

Team Spiritual Care: God's Guidance

Sister Kateri Theriault God knows the things that give us great joy and delight. God knows the people who we need to come into our path that will help form us and shape us. — from Finding My Voice

Team Spiritual Care: Think First

Sister Kateri Theriault       A peaceful attitude can go a long way toward living the message of the Gospel. If we think (and pray) before we speak or act, we will save ourselves and others a great deal of misunderstanding and heartache. — from Lent with St. Francis

Team Spiritual Care: Keep in Touch

Sister Kateri Theriault

Human beings require gentle, frequent touch to thrive. When touched in a nurturing, appropriate way, blood pressure goes down and creativity goes up. Tender loving care makes us whole, accepting, and generous. Studies have shown that premature infants given soothing massaging touches gain weight faster, children who are cuddled by their parents are more likely to graduate high school, and students who receive a supportive pat by a teacher are nearly twice as likely to volunteer in class. Unleash the power of a proper hug.

TODAY’S READINGS: Hebrews 12:1-4; Mark 5:21-43 (324)
“He took the child by the hand and said to her, ‘Talitha koum,’ which means, ‘Little girl, I say to you, arise!’ ”

CONTRIBUTORS

Alice Camille, Daniel Grippo, Father Larry Janowski, O.F.M., Ann O’Connor, Siobhán O’Neill, Joel Schorn, Patrice J. Tuohy, Sister Julie Vieira, I.H.M.

Team Spiritual Care: Passage to Freedom

Sister Kateri Theriault

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have become more firmly convinced than ever that forgiveness is the universal path to wisdom and the only reliable passage to freedom and joy.
— from Set Free

Team Spiritual Care: Forgiveness

Sister Kateri Theriault
Mission Integration

The Road to Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a lot like trying to quit tobacco or drugs – it may take a lot of failures before we succeed. Until we reach the final moment of letting go, we must continually move toward it.
— from Make Room For God

Team Spiritual Care: New Year's Resolution

Sister Kateri Theriault Mission Integration

Hand in Hand Love and forgiveness go hand in hand; they cannot be separated, one from the other, without diminishing their very essence, their very intent: to spend our eternal life with God. — from Wrapped Up

Team Spiritual Care: Good News Starts Here

Monday, December 17


ADVENT WEEKDAY

Sister Kateri Theriault

The New Testament begins with a bang: Matthew’s first sentence declares that the savior of Israel has arrived! No more waiting and wondering or chasing after vain hopes and disappointing deliverers. This Messiah has the right lineage (Abraham’s tribe, David’s house) and will be born in the proper town (Bethlehem). If you’re looking for wisdom, look no further than Jesus. Today the church begins praying the series of “O Antiphons” sung or recited since the seventh century during this final week of preparation for Christmas. Take Five will offer its own version of the Antiphon for each day, and so we pray: O Wisdom, give us the insight we need to choose your will in all things.



TODAY’S READINGS: Genesis 49:2, 8-10; Matthew 1:1-17 (193)

“The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.”


CONTRIBUTORS

Alice Camille, Kevin Clarke, Daniel Grippo, Father Larry Janowski, O.F.M., Ann O’Connor, Siobhán O’Neill, Joel Schorn, Patrice J. Tuohy, Sister Julie Vieira, I.H.M.

Team Spiritual Care: This Time for Sure

Sister Kateri Theriault
Mission Integration

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How many of us read book after book or attend lectures, retreats, and workshops with the thought that this author, this story, or that technique will finally provide the spiritual breakthrough we seek? This time, we hope, we will finally “get it.” No program or series of steps, though, can give us the deep faith we desire. We may draw inspiration and courage from the experiences and insights of others, but ultimately if it is to be our faith—one that is living, changing, growing, deepening, and expanding—then it must come from within. Jesus knew that of course, but his disciples did not, so we have lots of company. Are you looking outside yourself for what can only be found within?

TODAY’S READINGS: Wisdom 1:1-7; Luke 17:1-6 (491)
“Increase our faith.”

Taken from the daily reflections by Patricia Touhy

Team Spiritual Care: A Prayer for all Ages

Sister Kateri Theriault

Jesus held in the highest esteem the Jewish prayer known as the Shema, which exhorts believers to love God with all their heart. The Shema has survived thousands of years of Jewish exile, dispersion, and persecution and remains a bedrock of Jewish identity to this day. At the end of World War II, an esteemed rabbi traveled Europe to reclaim Jewish children who had been hidden during the Holocaust with non-Jewish families. He would loudly proclaim “Shema Yisrael” (“Hear, O Israel”—the first words of the prayer) at gatherings of children and then look at their faces to see which ones recognized it from their earliest memories of praying with their Jewish families. Pray these words with Christ and live them.



TODAY’S READINGS: Galatians 1:6-12; Luke 10:25-37 (461)

“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart . . . .”

ContributorsAlice Camille, Daniel Grippo, Caroline Hopkinson, Father Larry Janowski, O.F.M., Ann O’Connor, Joel Schorn, Patrice J. Tuohy, and Sister Julie Vieira, I.H.M.

Team Spiritual Care: Someone to Watch Over Me

Tuesday, October 2

The Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels


According to Catholic tradition, everyone has a personal angel guarding their bodily and spiritual well-being. “Beside each believer,” said the fourth-century theologian and bishop Saint Basil, “stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading [them] to life”—and he should know, having been called the “revealer of heavenly mysteries”! Guardian angels remind you that you are always in the presence of God and should act accordingly, and that God is also with others, whom you should treat accordingly.

TODAY’S READINGS: Job 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23 (456); Matthew 18:1-5, 10 (650)

“Do not despise one of these little ones, for . . . their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”



CONTRIBUTORS

Alice Camille, Daniel Grippo, Caroline Hopkinson, Father Larry Janowski, O.F.M., Ann O’Connor, Joel Schorn, Patrice J. Tuohy, and Sister Julie Vieira, I.H.M.

Team Spiritual Care: Be Spontaneous!

Sister Kateri Theriault
Mission Integration

Personal, spontaneous prayer helps you develop honesty with God. It enables you to let off steam as well as praise God. The secret is to be yourself. God knows you, and you cannot shock him.



— from Catholic [or Not] and Confident

Team Spiritual Care: Reconciliation and Forgiveness

Should not reconciliation and forgiveness be our first response in a disagreement?

Read this before lawyering up

When Saint Paul heard that members of the church in the Greek city of Corinth were going into court and suing one another, he was incensed. For one thing he thought it shameful that Christians could not settle their disputes among themselves. For another, it was disgraceful to submit themselves to pagan judges. Be that as it may, Paul’s admonitions highlight the fact that the church should be a community of person-to-person reconciliation and that a Christian’s first instinct should be for forgiveness.



TODAY’S READINGS: 1 Corinthians 6:1-11; Luke 6:12-19 (438)

“It is . . . a failure on your part that you have lawsuits against one another.”

CONTRIBUTORS

Alice Camille, Daniel Grippo, Caroline Hopkinson, Father Larry Janowski, O.F.M., Ann O’Connor, Joel Schorn, Patrice J. Tuohy, and Sister Julie Vieira, I.H.M.

September Blessing from Denise!