56. The Soul
In this edition of The Soul we will reflect on the concept of Truth. Truth is a fundamental element in our lives, but also a term that can be misunderstood and misrepresented. As we work towards bringing about the Kingdom of God on Earth, we ask for God’s help in understanding the truth at the heart of our lives.
We live in a modern age full of scientific and technological wonders, but at times it seems that the very concept of ‘truth’ is under threat. Some commentators have even suggested we live in a post-truth age. The good news is that amongst the noise of social media opinions, data and commentary, we still have a source of Truth that has stood the test of time; the love of God, the reality of Jesus and the revelation of relationship found in the Bible.
In our first staff spirituality module this year, Bishop Greg challenged us to consider the role truth plays in our lives. He asked us to consider 3 questions:
- Do I live justly and honestly?
- Do I live towards goodness?
- Do I live in a way that cares for people?
These are the filters through which we might consider the way we are living our lives, but in a rapidly changing world it can often be hard to discern exactly which direction to take, or choice to make. Bishop Greg says that we will know when we are on track or have made the correct decisions because we “blossom and grow”. Another useful tool that helps us have fullness of life is the list of St Ignatius’ Rules for Discernment. These rules can be helpful in moving towards a deeper relationship with God.
Let us conclude this section with the words of St. Mark the Ascetic; “He who speaks rightly should recognize that he receives the words from God. For the truth belongs not to him who speaks, but to God who is energizing him.”
Wildfire has released a new EP available on Spotify and Apple Music. Every track in ‘Storm + Ocean’ has its own unique sound and story. Every song was written based on real experiences and reflections from our Student Discipleship Continuum. Enjoy our latest lockdown music video of The Storm & Ocean which talks about being free in God’s love.
- Planetshakers Live at Chapel (Planetshakers) - In the mood for an Aussie feel-good worship session? Spend a holy hour with the Planetshakers who encourage us to put our faith, hope, and trust in God during every season of our lives.
- Jerusalema (Stellenbosch University Choir) - For those missing the sound of their school/parish choirs, this rendition of the popular ‘Jerusalema’ dance challenge will lift your spirits and prayer life.
- Little things with Great Love (Audrey Assad Feat. Madison Cunningham) - Sometimes all we need to do is focus on little things with great love.
- Jesus the Truth (New Wine) - New Wine invites us to respond to the lover of our souls, with a passionate cry for a fresh encounter.
WHEN WORDS FAIL
Reflection by Fr Michael Tate
One loves someone so much – a child, a parent, a spouse or partner – yet when one tries to pray for that person the words seem only a pale shadow of the intensity of feeling and total love one feels. Stop! Simply put the person or situation before God and say nothing. The Holy Spirit will express our heartfelt prayer for us. One’s heart is breaking with grief for someone close who is very ill or dying. Or one feels a terrible anxiety or anguish. Words don’t come easily even though one wants to pray. Stop! Put the person or situation before God and say nothing. The Holy Spirit will express our heartfelt prayer for us. Perhaps accentuated by the constant messaging of social media, when trying to pray we can get anxious when there is a lull in the noise and no words come. We could pause for a moment to relax and to allow the Spirit to express our plea in a way which could never be put into words.
© Fr Michael Tate; mtate@bigpond.com Liturgy Help
- Lisa McInnes Smith is a motivational speaker who has worked with leaders in the Lismore Diocese. In this newsletter she focuses on keeping things small, simple and doable.
Deep listening was first and foremost on the agenda for The First General Assembly of the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia. This was required to hear the Spirit as it moved amongst the diverse voices of the members of the Church who represented dioceses, archdioceses, eparchies, parishes, religious orders and social services.
If you missed the live streaming or various podcasts capturing these voices go to:
- The Plenary Council website
- Plenary Matters with Geraldine Doouge
- The Plenary Tracker hosted by Geneieve Jacobs
- The Rosary is a powerful spiritual tool for meditation. While meditation grows in popularity as a means to better mental, physical, and spiritual health, many people, including many Catholics, overlook the rosary as a meditative tool. It is sometimes seen as too simple and therefore as superficial. The rosary is simple, but the gentle repetition of its prayers makes it an excellent means to moving into deeper meditation. It gives us an opportunity to open ourselves to God’s word, to refine our interior gaze by turning our minds to the life of Christ.
- The Amen App is the free Catholic prayer App that inspires your daily conversation with God through faithful meditations and nourishing Scripture. From the Augustine Institute, producers of the FORMED.org Resource. Also available on google play.
- Summary of Saint Ignatius of Loyola's Rules for Discernment (d. 1556)
- Denzel Washington's Motivational and Inspiring Commencement Speech
- The Catholic Weekly is currently available for free online.
- Parish Life is the newsletter for the Australian Catholics resource that keeps subscribers up to date with the offerings of this online platform. All schools in the Lismore Diocese are subscribed. Read some great film reviews.
All staff in Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Lismore receive The Soul by email. The link in these emails can be forwarded and shared with family and friends. Alternatively, use this form to subscribe as an additional reader to The Soul mailing list.