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Reflections on Adversityby Bishop Bennett D. D. BurkePublished in 1994 | Homily Liberal Catholic Church |
The Gospel of Thomas, 38
Contrary to the belief of some, leading a spiritual life does not completely take doubt and difficulty from our lives. Or, as Goethe said in Faust, "It is wisdom's final say that freedom and life belong to him who must reconquer them every day." But by learning to wisely and kindly reflect upon adversity, we can begin to comprehend the Chinese proverb which says, "That the birds of doubt and worry fly about your head cannot be changed. That they would build nests in your hair - that you can prevent."
To begin, sit quietly and comfortably in a place free from distractions. Breathe easily for a few moments, neither thinking, nor trying hard not to think. Continue until you begin to feel more relaxed. Now think of some difficulty you face, perhaps even a difficulty you face in your spiritual life. Notice how this difficulty affects you physically, mentally, and emotionally. Ask yourself questions like these:
How have I approached this difficulty thus far?
How has this approach caused me suffering?
What must I let go of to resolve this problem?
What part of this difficulty must I simply accept?
What lesson does this difficulty have to teach?
Remember Jesus’ admonition that you will not always find Him, but remember that it is we who have turned away from Christ, and not Him from us. As you continue to sit quietly, pray for His help with your doubts and fears. Listen carefully for His answers, and don’t be surprised at the place from which you seem to hear His voice. For no matter where you looked, or how many times you failed to find Him, He was, is now, and always will be in your heart.
This document is part of The Global Library,
from the The Southern Province USA of the North American Old Catholic Church.
Additional funding provided by The Wynn and Rick Wagner Foundation.