Unplugging Sundays - A Spiritual Reflection
So if you’re lost for a New Year’s Resolution, perhaps a bit of silence might be for you – at least on “The Day of Rest.”
Jan 1
So if you’re lost for a New Year’s Resolution, perhaps a bit of silence might be for you – at least on “The Day of Rest.”
Last week I mentioned that one can actually measure spiritual “maturity” and spiritual “growth” by examining a person’s concrete behaviors as they model Matthew 22:37-40 in “loving God” and “loving neighbor.” This would involve a person’s spiritual beliefs and attitudes; a person’s spiritual practices; participation in organized church activities and spiritual and pastoral activities directed with and towards others.
One might naturally ask, “Well, in which stage am I?” A general description of the four spiritual “stages” are outlined below. In addition, the specific spiritual actions, activities and attitudes that need to be in place as a person moves from one spiritual stage to the next are provided as well.
Phase 1: A person EXPLORING CHRIST says, “I believe in God but I am not sure ab
out Jesus Christ” I am not sure if a human being can have a ‘personal relationship’ with a transcendent God. My faith is not a significant part of my life.”
A person EXPLORING CHRIST wants:
Next Steps They Need To Accomplish (“Catalysts” To Spiritual Growth)
Phase 2: A person GROWING IN CHRIST says, “I believe you can have a personal relationship with a transcendent God. I believe in Jesus Christ and I am working on what it means to get to know him.”
A person GROWING IN CHRIST wants:
Next Steps They Need To Accomplish (“Catalysts” To Spiritual Growth)
Phase 3: A person CLOSE TO CHRIST says, “I feel very close to Christ and depend on Him daily for guidance and support.”
A person CLOSE TO CHRIST wants (critically important):
Important but less so than 1. and 2. -
Next Steps They Need To Accomplish (“Catalysts” To Spiritual Growth)
Phase 4: A person who is CHRIST CENTERED says, “My relationship with God through Jesus Christ is the most important relationship in my life. It guides everything that I do.”
A person who is CHRIST CENTERED wants (critically important):
Important but less so than 1, 2, or 3 above:
Having a sense of “which stage I am in” In January, St. Monica will roll-out three adult faith spiritual programs. Each will be targeted to people in different spiritual stages in their lives:
Further details about all three of these programs, including sign-up information, is forthcoming. We look forward to seeing you there!
Nothing has greater impact on spiritual growth than reflection on Scripture and engagement/reception of the Eucharist.
"Lord, help me to overcome my distractions and my temptations."
This week we close the reflection by looking at “The Kindness of God.”