The Annunciation to Mary by Constantijn Daniel van Renesse & Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn, c. 1652, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin.
Yesterday, as soon as I began to pray without words, these verses arrived:
May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10; NLT).
May your perfect will
Be done, Lord,
In my flesh, mind,
Heart and soul,
Throughout my life,
With every breath,
Throughout my dying,
And my death
May I say, “Yes”
To all you send – For then
I will be whole.
He wounds, but His hands make whole (Job 5:18; NKJV).
References
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect (Romans 12:2; NLT).
Mary said, “Yes, I am a servant of the Lord; let this happen to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38; NET).
Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done” (Matthew 26:42; NLT).
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word (Luke 2:29; KJV).
Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands Icommitmyspirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last (Luke 23:4t; NIV).
The dust returnstothe ground it came from, and the spiritreturnstoGodwho gave it (Ecclesiastes 12:7; NIV).
The Rosary Hospital
I enjoyed making this unusual Fiat rosary yesterday evening. The olive-wood, tear-drop shaped beads are quite small, but because of their shape they are easy and pleasant to hold. Hopefully, it will be completely finished by tomorrow evening.
Pastel representation of Turin shroud image of the face of Jesus. Reproduced with kind permission of the artist.
During a video call yesterday, a friend introduced me to some of the artwork in his study, including the beautiful picture above, which was made by someone he knows personally. I asked if I could use it, and he very kindly obtained permission from the artist for me to share it with you.
Make your way plain for me to follow (Psalm 5:8; NLT).
May I follow your way,
Offer your love,
Live in your presence,
And pray without cease;
Shine with your light,
Blaze with your fire,
Trust in your Spirit,
And rest in your peace.
The Lord is peace (Judges 6:24; NLT).
References
God is love (1 John 4:8; NLT).
God is light (1 John 1:5; NLT).
God is a consuming fire (Deuteronomy 4:24; NIV).
The Spirit is truth (1 John 5:6; NKJV).
The Rosary Hospital
I’m excited to be slowly making my first little box of rosaries for people who attend church missions. Here are two I’ve made in the the last few days. The one at the back is very chunky, intended for someone with sight difficulties, or loss of sensation in their hands or fingers. The centrepiece shows a picture of Sainte Thérèse, who is also known as the Little Flower:
This prayer came to me yesterday, despite how I’m struggling with migraine and dread at present:
May your will be done (Matthew 6:10; NLT).
May your will be done today, Lord,
In my body, heart and mind;
In my spirit, and my life,
Then all my actions will be kind.
May I call upon your name,
For I am yours, and you are mine.
Fill my thoughts, and words, and deeds,
Till I become your living shrine.
May I know your strength and courage;
Take my hand, for I am blind.
May I trust you, Lord, and share
Your cross today, our souls entwined.
Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him (Philippians 3:8-9; NLT).
References
Christ is all that matters, and he livesin all of us (Colossians 3:11; NLT).
I will put my Spirit in you and make you eager to obey my laws and teachings (Ezekiel 36:27; CEV).
I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants – men and women alike. And I will cause wonders in the heavens and on the earth – blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red before that great and terrible day of the LORD arrives. But everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved (Joel 2:28-32; NLT).
Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the HolySpirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? (1 Corinthians 6:19; NLT).
The Lord – who is the Spirit – makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image (2 Corinthians 3:18; NLT).
Trust in God, and trust also in me (John 14:1; NLT).
Today’s blog is about the shadow self. This term encompasses all the aspects of ourselves we find so uncomfortable, shameful and unacceptable that we ignore, conceal, or deny them. However, it is essential to find ways of recognising and expressing these hidden aspects, so we can integrate them into a fuller understanding of ourselves (see “Owning your own shadow” by Robert A. Johnson; Harper One: 1991).
My shadow, for example, includes sin, guilt, shame, selfishness, self-pity, depression, irritability, judging, anxiety, fear, resentment, bitterness, anger, insecurity and feeling unwanted. For a long time, I have habitually taken captive my thoughts and feelings along these lines, saying sorry to God as soon as I become aware of them. I then replace them with something more loving, in accordance with Paul’s teaching (2 Corinthians 10:5; NIV). However, until very recently, I have never considered choosing to express them in any other way.
Instead, I generally keep negative feelings and thoughts concealed in my shadow. Unfortunately, this is unhealthy, as these spontaneous aspects of myself are significant aspects of my whole being.
Being honest
Over the last few weeks I’ve begun to grasp the spiritual importance of maintaining a constant awareness of what is happening in my shadow. This enables me to be more honest with myself, with God, and, potentially, with other people.
Of course, I don’t want to simply “act out” the contents of my shadow through impulsive, uncontrolled behaviour. Rather, I want to be in touch with them, so I can choose how to respond. Moreover, if I decide to express them, I want to do so as safely and constructively as possible, for the sake of both others and myself.
Such expression doesn’t necessarily mean voicing my shadow self directly, though occasionally this may be appropriate. Instead, I choose to express my shadow through dance, writing and prayer. Art, music, sports and many other activities can also provide alternative creative outlets.
It won’t go away
Staying in touch with my shadow self and finding safe ways to express it is essential, because ignoring it does not make it go away. Trying to push challenging emotions such as anger, hatred and fear out of awareness leaves them free to create havoc in the unconscious mind. This is how sudden outbursts of exasperation, temper, violence and panic can seem to strike “out of the blue”.
The Psalms
The Psalms offer a healthy example of honouring the shadow by expressing it honestly in prayer, alongside more positive aspects of the self. The writer of Psalm Three, for example, begins by praising God for helping them in the face of their enemies’ threats. The tone remains positive until verse seven, when it changes dramatically, as the author gives vent to the pent-up fear, anger and vengefulness concealed in their shadow:
“Arise, O LORD! Rescue me, my God! Slap all my enemies in the face! Shatter the teeth of the wicked!” (Psalm 3:7; NLT).
Once these negative impulses have been fully voiced, the writer is able to finish on a more positive note:
“Victory comes from you, O LORD. May you bless your people” (Psalm 3:8; NLT).
If the writer had sanitised this psalm by omitting the thoughts and emotions hidden in their shadow, it would have been incomplete. This would have made it far less helpful to both themself and their future readers.
Conclusion The raw, spontaneous truths hidden in our shadow are vital aspects of the self, treasures without which we cannot be complete. To reject them means being out of contact with essential aspects of ourselves.
Learning to integrate the contents of our shadow with our more positive thoughts and emotions is therefore vital for authentic spiritual growth and healing. As Johnson states: “These disowned parts are extremely valuable and cannot be disregarded… To honour and accept one’s shadow is a profound spiritual discipline. It is whole-making and thus holy and the most important experience of a lifetime” (Johnson; ibid, pp ix-x).
So now, after that long introduction, here is today’s prayer:
You desire honesty from the womb (Psalm 51:6; NLT).
Lord,
Thank you for my shadow –
May I face it,
Acknowledging its role
In all I do.
Thank you for my shadow –
May I own it,
So I can choose
To share it all with you.
Thank you for my shadow –
May I love it,
For you desire my honesty,
I know.
Thank you for my shadow –
I embrace it. Lord, may these secret riches
Help me grow.
I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness – secret riches (Isaiah 45:3; NLT).
Jozef Israëls – Mijmering (meditation) of ook Ophelia – DM-975-508 – Dordrechts Museum.jpg
Yesterday morning, as I began to pray without words after saying the Lord’s Prayer, today’s blog arrived. I didn’t try to resist, or make it wait, or push it away, though I wanted so much to continue listening, and go deeper:
The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words (Romans 8:26; RSV).
In silence, Lord, I listen
To your Spirit’s prayers
Within me.
In stillness, Lord, I sense you
In my body, heart,
And mind.
Though I’m alone, I share your sighs,
Your wordless intercessions.
In my darkness, Lord,
Please give me sight,
For I am blind.
In my darkness you are all –
I seek you, Lord,
And find.
Seek and you will find (Luke 11:9; NIV).
References
The Spirit [comes to us and] helps us in our weakness. We do not know what prayer to offer or how to offer it as we should, but the Spirit Himself [knows our need and at the right time] intercedes on our behalf with sighs and groanings too deep for words (Romans 8:26; AMP).
Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? (1 Corinthians 6:19; NLT).
Pray in the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:20; RSV).
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion (Ephesians 6:18; NLT).
Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy (Isaiah 35:5-6; NIV).
Yesterday, through a message from a friend (thank you L.), I discovered Wikimedia Commons, giving me access to thousands of new photographs. I’m so grateful for this, and so delighted to begin sharing them with all who visit this website.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest…
Are you weary?
Are you burdened?
Come, right now, To Jesus.
Are you grieving?
Are you frightened? He will help you Face each test.
He is humble.
He is gentle.
He is here To comfort you.
Are you weary?
Come to Jesus: He will always
Give you rest.
…Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light” (Matthew 11:28-30; NLT).
References
I am with you always, even to the end of the world (Matthew 28:20; WNT).
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me (Psalm 23:4; KJV).
The Rosary Hospital
Here is today’s rosary, which I thoroughly enjoyed making:
This little prayer arrived a couple of days ago, just after I’d scribbled down that morning’s first piece of writing in note form:
The life of every living thing isinhishand, and the breath of every human being (Job 12:10; NLT).
While you want us to live, Lord,
We live.
When you want us to die, Lord,
We die.
Lord,
May my spirit
Be silent and still,
Always embracing
And trusting
Your will.
Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10; RSV).
References
The LORD gives both deathandlife (1 Samuel 2:6; NLT).
Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word (Luke 1:38; KJV).
My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done (Matthew 26:42; NLT).
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word (Luke 2:29; KJV).
The Rosary Hospital
Because of headaches, migraines and fatigue it’s been several days since I last made a rosary. So yesterday I was determined to put one together, and here is the result, which just needs a few finishing touches:
Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth” (Luke 10:21; NET).
I praise you, Lord of heaven and earth,
For you renew my strength.
I praise you, Christ, the Counsellor,
For you have made me whole.
I praise you, Spirit, Mighty God, For you restore my life.
I praise you, Threefold Prince of Peace,
For you redeem my soul.
I will praise the Lord at all times (Psalm 34:1; NLT).
References
Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6; KJV).
He renews my strength (Psalm 23:3; NLT).
He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53:5; RSV).
His good favour restores one’s life (Psalm 30:5; NET).
The Lord redeems the soul of his servants (Psalm 34:22; NKJV).
I’m struggling with depression, fatigue and headaches at present, which makes writing harder. So today I’ve chosen a simple prayer I received a little while ago:
We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5; NIV).
Be with me, Lord,
In all my thoughts,
Then you and I
Will share one mind.
Be with me, please,
In all I do,
Then my behaviour
Will be kind.
Be with me, Lord,
In all I say,
Then I will grow like you,
God’s Son.
Be with me:
Make my soul your home,
Then we will always live
As one.
God has united you with Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:30; NLT).
Introduction For many years, I have been very uncomfortable with some aspects of St. Paul’s teaching on women, but had no idea how to write about this issue.
Then, just as I began to pray a few days ago, I suddenly understood a significant difference between Jesus’ attitude towards women in the Gospels, and that of Saint Paul in his letters.
Jesus: timeless and universal Jesus’ teaching is timeless, universal and eternal. I can’t think of anything he taught that related solely to the times and the society in which he was living. Nor did he teach different rules for women and for men. Rather, he treated everyone in the same way, whilst not one word of his teaching discriminated between the sexes. This fits with the absolute equality of the first creation story in Genesis:
“God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them” (Genesis 1:27-8; NLT).
Paul: time and context Much of Paul’s teaching, on the other hand, related specifically to the social customs and context of his times. This is particularly true in relation to his attitudes towards women, and his instructions about how Christian women should behave.
Paul’s letters In his letters, Paul often addressed particular issues arising in specific churches. This is particularly true of his opinions about the roles and behaviour he expected of women. It is therefore important not to apply his pronouncements to all women generally, everywhere and at all times.
A male perspective Furthermore, Paul wrote from an essentially male perspective, as is often shown by his choice of words. For example, when addressing the church at Corinth, he wrote:
“Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says” (1 Corinthians 14:34; NKJV; my emphasis).
The phrase “your women” is particularly significant here. Essentially, perhaps unconsciously, his letter is addressing only the male members of the congregation. This is further emphasised by his next sentence:
“And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church” (ibid, v35).
I don’t know which “law” Paul was referring to, for Jesus never said, or in any way implied, that women should be silent in religious settings, that they should be submissive towards men, or that it was shameful for them to speak at spiritual gatherings.
A glimpse of equality Despite these significant differences between the teachings of Jesus and Paul, I don’t reject Paul’s teaching as a whole. This is because at his very best he was sometimes able to rise far above his social context and to grasp the essential truth of human equality. So, despite the quotations discussed above, he was also able to state:
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28; BSB).
Sadly, he was unable to hold on to this profound truth, or to apply it more generally during his ministry. Perhaps he was simply unable to square his own contradictory beliefs.
A final comparison For his times, Paul was an amazing, brave, insightful, and often inspired, teacher, but Jesus consistently saw much further and deeper than he ever could. As the gospels repeatedly show, everything Jesus taught applied to women and men equally, as people.
Paul’s teaching, on the other hand, was very different. He accepted the imbalance of power in a highly patriarchal society, where women had very little status, independence, choice, or freedom. He did not challenge this, but, perhaps unconsciously, seemed to take it for granted as the way things had always been, and therefore the way they should continue to be.
Speaking personally Writing this article has made me appreciate even more just how revolutionary Jesus’ attitudes to women were. I unhesitatingly accept his teaching as applying to me. However, I cannot see Paul’s pronouncements in quite the same way. His letters can be helpful, insightful and even revelatory, but his teaching was deeply rooted in the conventional social context and attitudes of his times, and therefore cannot reasonably be applied to women everywhere, and at all times, as some might claim.
Conclusion My conclusion is that whilst Paul was often inspired, he wasn’t perfect, and he wasn’t Jesus. For me, this is the essential difference between his teaching, and that of Christ.
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