77. The Soul
As we near the end of Term 4, and indeed the end of the school year, we are more than likely caught up in a flurry of activities that come at this time. With everything that is happening, we need to find space to rest. We can begin by pausing to take a slow, deep breath in and by taking a slow, deep breath out. In the tradition of Christian Meditation, we say Maranatha.
“You cannot fill from an empty cup.” You might think this saying has been overused or is trite, however there is much truth in it. If we do not spend time in a quiet space resting, not only do we become physically weary, we can become emotionally drained, mentally fatigued and spiritually dry. Everyone needs rest.
This story from Terry Hershey’s Sabbath Moment beautifully illustrates the point.
Every day after school, the young son of a well-known Rabbi would enter his house, place his backpack on the dining room table, leave the house through the back door and head into the woods behind the house.
At first, the Rabbi gave little thought to his son’s ritual. Until it continued, for days, and then for weeks. Every day, out into the woods for almost a half hour. The Rabbi grew concerned.
“My son,” he asked one day. “I notice that every day you leave our home to spend time in the woods. What is it you are doing there?”
“Oh papa,” the son replied. “There is no need to worry. I go into the woods to pray. It is in the woods that I can talk to God.”
“Oh,” the Rabbi said, clearly relieved. “But you should know, as the son of a Rabbi, that God is the same everywhere.”
“Yes, papa. I know that God is the same everywhere. But, I am not.”
Wow! What a profound statement. God is the same everywhere. But, I am not.
The young boy recognised that without taking time to rest in God, he was restless. We often live life in the fast lane with agendas to follow, goals to be achieved and adventures to pursue. There is a time and a space for all of these, however the boy recognised that he needed a second space, one that is essential for us all. A space with God in which to find quiet, stillness and peace. A space for rest.
-
Plans (Rend Collective)
We turn to You Heavenly Father for direction, clarity, and wisdom. Guide our steps by Your Holy Spirit, let Your word guide our choices and we humbly ask for Your guidance and direction today as we journey through life.
-
Rest On Us (Maverick City Music ft Brandon Lake)
Fill our lives, Lord, with your presence.
-
Do You Have Room (Fear Not)
“Do you have room for the Saviour, and do you seek Him anew? Have you a place for the one who lived and died for you? Are you as humble as a shepherd boy or as wise as men of old? Would you have come that night? Would you have sought the light? Do you have room?”
-
Worship Instrumental (Dan Musselmann)
Play this instrumental worship track gently in the background and be inspired to journal your thoughts and prayers to God, as we continue to reflect on this week’s theme of Rest.
Shine a light on your mental wellbeing blind spots.
Headlight is an online tool designed to help you better understand your mental health and take control of your wellbeing by giving you access to evidence-based resources.
Headlight was developed by TAL Life Limited (TAL) an Australian life-insurance specialist in partnership with The University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Centre.
STEP 1: Complete a quick and simple questionnaire taking 2-3 minutes.
STEP 2: Receive an easy-to-understand mental wellbeing score.
STEP 3: Read the suggestions and actions you can take to help address your risk factors.
STEP 4: Utilise evidence-based resources from leading Australian and global organisations.
Find out more by following this link.
‘Pause Pray Play’ was the theme of the recent Parent Assembly Family Faith Retreat held in the northern half of our diocese.
Pausing to rest and reflect is a critical part of family life which can so easily be affected by overscheduling and busyness. During the retreat, we shared different ways to build moments of pause and rest with the families who attended. You might like to use this resource with your own family or share it with your students’ families to bring rest and respite during this busy time of year.
It has been great to see schools across the Diocese sharing their Socktober photos. Funds raised this year will go towards supporting families in Ethiopia facing malnutrition and food insecurity.
- Advent Resources: Loyola Press invites you to sign up to daily email reflections on the hope of Advent. Alternatively, be led in prayer using an Ignatian imaginative prayer exercise.
- Advent Art: Look at Advent differently this year through an artistic lens. Each week, beginning Sunday 27th November, examine an artwork depicting the Gospel for that week and be led by a commentary relating to the art.
- The Bible Project: For centuries, Christians around the world have used the four weeks leading up to Christmas to prepare themselves for celebrating the birth of Jesus. Each week is dedicated to remembering and pondering a key biblical theme that was fulfilled in the arrival of Jesus: peace, hope, joy, and love. This Adevnt Series from the Bible Project explores each of these biblical words and their unique meaning within the Bible.
- Hallow: Want to learn more about Advent? Hallow’s website provides the history of Advent calendars, links to a variety of Advent calendars, and also invites you to make your own calendar. Download the free Hallow App and start exploring some great resources.
- Keeping Our Eyes Open: Fr Richard Leonard's Advent reflection encourages us to keep our eyes open and use our preparation for Christmas as a vigil of growing joy at what God has done for us in Jesus Christ.
- Praying Advent: Creighton University Online Ministries as a range of Advent resources and reflections. This page includes daily prayers, Advent audio clips, a variety of reflections, opportunities to pray with your imagination and other Advent prayer resources.
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.