E&W 10-27-13

Sacred Story

Encouragements & Wisdom: October 27, 2013

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Encouragements and Wisdom: October 27, 2013 (PDF).

E & W reflections are additional helps for your Sacred Story prayer journey. Reflect on them at week’s beginning or outside of your 15-minute prayer periods.

The Affirmations

Sacred Story leads to my freedom and authenticity,
it does not always make me feel happy.

 
Jesus told us that if we “remained in his word”, we would be true disciples: “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (Jn 8:32). Each of us has had a faith-inspired experience of a truth that challenges previously held convictions. The new “true belief” or “true practice” that we have discovered brings freedom. But it can also bring discomfort because it upsets our often long-established patterns.

Think of the call of Simon Peter (Lk 5:1-11). The fisherman “sees the truth” that Jesus is Lord in the incident of the miraculous catch of fish. But in this true vision, he also sees himself as he is: “Depart from me Lord, for I am a sinful man.” Jesus brings freedom, which reveals our true lack of freedom. Following Jesus to live a life as sacred story leads to my authenticity and freedom. But it might also bring discomfort as the Light of Christ shines brightly on the places in our life history—our beliefs and practices—that need reform and change.

We must never confuse the true peace of following the Lord with the false peace or shallow happiness of clinging to beliefs and practices that, even though familiar, are not serving our true freedom. We must shoulder the discomfort of spiritual growth that brings us freedom and thank the Lord for calling us to live authentically.

Lord Jesus, give us patience with our spiritual growth.
Let us not be discouraged by the spiritual and emotional discomfort when you call us to grow in freedom and authenticity.
Give us happiness and true peace as we grow into living our lives as a sacred story.
Gives us the true freedom that opens us to
Creation, Presence, Memory, Mercy and Eternity.

The LORD confronts the evildoers,
to destroy remembrance of them from the earth.
When the just cry out, the Lord hears them,
and from all their distress he rescues them.

(Psalm 34: 17-18)

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