A retreat quote from Catherine McAuley;
If our peace of mind depends on the tone of voice, manner, words, etc., of others,
it is on their good qualities we depend, not our own.
Since I am on retreat this week,. I thought I would find a retreat quote from Catherine. I have not been able to blog as often as I would want. Sometimes I cannot get to a computer for long. We have 3 computers for 35 people so I do not get to my e-mail, much less my blogging.
This quote is a good one to reflect upon. Today we would talk about assumptions, projections and defense mechanisms when listening to another speak. Our good qualities do not depend on what others say of us and yet how easily we are influenced by them. It is a good practice to stop and really listen to what is being put into our minds. Are we building up the kingdom of God within or are we letting toxic words and actions tear us down?
We have enough negative tapes playing in our mind; we do not need any more. So today or tonight, take some quiet time and hear what God has to say to you. What are the beautiful things God wants to say to you? What are the qualities God sees in you? Make a list of 15 good qualities that you have. That doesn't mean you are better than others, but that you have those qualities. You might want to tape them to your mirror and read then each time you look into the mirror for the next ten days.
God is so eager to share what God sees in you.
www.sistersofmercy.org
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Uncharitable Thought
A quote from Catherine McAuley:
I will not dwell on this uncharitable thought, because it would be displeasing to God.
Since I am on sabbatical and cannot get to a compute each day, the reading of the maxims of Catherine McAuley often fall to quiet reflection on my own. This reflection today fits into one of the sessions I am currently attending. This week we are studying the Enneagram, not as a psychological tool or a tool to use to judge others, but one that helps us to become more like God in our actions and motivations.
If God is the God of compassion and we are to model God then, our works, works and motivations are to be of compassion. To dwell on something that is uncharitable and not take care of it is acting out of our vices instead of our strengths. So often we can just complain without doing something about it. So often we just project, judge, or become negative without taking care of the problem. How often do we right an unjust act? How often do we confront the person we need to talk to in order to come to some understanding? How often do we just badmouth someone without taking time to walk in their shoes?
What could we be doing to make more compassion in the world? How can we come to right relationship and be at peace with others, ourselves and God? Today I challenge you to look at the remarks you make and do a serious study on how you are doing. Do you need to stop dwelling on the uncharitable remarks, or thoughts and become more like God in filling your world with compassion?
www.sistersofmercy.org
I will not dwell on this uncharitable thought, because it would be displeasing to God.
Since I am on sabbatical and cannot get to a compute each day, the reading of the maxims of Catherine McAuley often fall to quiet reflection on my own. This reflection today fits into one of the sessions I am currently attending. This week we are studying the Enneagram, not as a psychological tool or a tool to use to judge others, but one that helps us to become more like God in our actions and motivations.
If God is the God of compassion and we are to model God then, our works, works and motivations are to be of compassion. To dwell on something that is uncharitable and not take care of it is acting out of our vices instead of our strengths. So often we can just complain without doing something about it. So often we just project, judge, or become negative without taking care of the problem. How often do we right an unjust act? How often do we confront the person we need to talk to in order to come to some understanding? How often do we just badmouth someone without taking time to walk in their shoes?
What could we be doing to make more compassion in the world? How can we come to right relationship and be at peace with others, ourselves and God? Today I challenge you to look at the remarks you make and do a serious study on how you are doing. Do you need to stop dwelling on the uncharitable remarks, or thoughts and become more like God in filling your world with compassion?
www.sistersofmercy.org
Monday, October 6, 2008
Politeness and Good Manners
A quote about Catherine McAuley (unknown);
Our Reverend Foundress practiced toward her sisters, naturally and simply the usages of good society, and required the strictest attention to politeness and good manners in their intercourse with each other, and wished these rules to be thoroughly taught...
Today it seems we have let our best manners go out the window and do not seem to even know when to employ them. Catherine had the idea that each sister should be very well-schooled in the graciousness and good manners of a modern lady in society and with good manners would be able to attend to anyone from the sickest and poorest to the titled person with the same respect and diffidence to make the works of mercy a work of great edification for the person as well as the sister.
There is something to be said for having great manners. One can handle any situation when when one has those manners in place, even today. Perhaps we need to take a look at the way we eat, sit, walk, drink and speak to people. We may even want to get out the latest Emily Post book on manners and review some things. Then, as we go about our days, use the manners we have been taught. They are "catching' and it will make your place in the world a bit more pleasant.
Catherine would be pleased that we still try to make the comfort of the other the basis for our good manners. I think will go check out a book today....
www.sistersofmercy.org
Our Reverend Foundress practiced toward her sisters, naturally and simply the usages of good society, and required the strictest attention to politeness and good manners in their intercourse with each other, and wished these rules to be thoroughly taught...
Today it seems we have let our best manners go out the window and do not seem to even know when to employ them. Catherine had the idea that each sister should be very well-schooled in the graciousness and good manners of a modern lady in society and with good manners would be able to attend to anyone from the sickest and poorest to the titled person with the same respect and diffidence to make the works of mercy a work of great edification for the person as well as the sister.
There is something to be said for having great manners. One can handle any situation when when one has those manners in place, even today. Perhaps we need to take a look at the way we eat, sit, walk, drink and speak to people. We may even want to get out the latest Emily Post book on manners and review some things. Then, as we go about our days, use the manners we have been taught. They are "catching' and it will make your place in the world a bit more pleasant.
Catherine would be pleased that we still try to make the comfort of the other the basis for our good manners. I think will go check out a book today....
www.sistersofmercy.org
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