Easter and Examination of Consciousness
One of the foundational steps in a genuine sacramental Reconciliation is EXAMINING OUR CONSCIENCE. This means that we take some intentional, prayerful time to honestly examine our lives and specifically to come in touch with our sinful behavior. The Ten Commandments are still one of the most important guides leading us to examine our CONSCIENCE. We have recently concluded a season of examining our CONSCIENCE in Lent.
We all know, however, that this spiritual exercise of examination is not limited to Lent. Our CONSCIENCE tells us when we have done something wrong. Examining it in a sincere way can lead to profound reconciliation with others or ourselves. I know I have come in touch with my need for reconciliation many times outside of the season of Lent. Sometimes my conscience is very clear and sin is obvious.
Easter expands us in so many ways with new life. It brings us new possibilities and new awareness. Ignatius of Loyola tells us that it is important all year long to EXAMINE OUR CONSCIOUSNESS as well. Consciousness refers to and includes being awake and aware of ones surroundings. Perception of many things comes with awareness. CONSCIOUSNESS is a connection between our mind, heart and soul and the real world. Examining our CONSCIOUSNESS goes far beyond examining what is sinful in our lives. Conscience tells us right from wrong. Consciousness puts us in touch with the new life of discovery in a world that is beautiful and experiences that are sacred. It also puts us in touch with the darker and evil side of life including war, prejudice, evil, violence and tragedy.
One of Ignatius’s mantras is Finding God in All Things. Our CONSCIOUSNESS opens us up to all things. It also opens us up to what Ignatius calls the Discernment of Spirits. He emphasizes the need for regularly discerning that which leads us closer to God, and that which leads us away from God. One of the most important discernments that Ignatius espouses is the discernment between Good and Evil. The daily EXAMEN that Ignatius teaches puts some discipline to examining our Conscience and our Consciousness.
In the spirit of the new life of Easter rooted in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, let us enter into the new possibilities by searching for and finding God in all things. May Easter joy lead us to examine our CONSCIOUSNESS and become more aware of what leads us closer to God.
Lenten Social Justice Project
The commitment that we here at Holy Family have to Social Justice and to the seven Principles of Catholic Social Teaching is very strong. To date we have raised $110,000 for five Catholic communities on Native American reservations in Montana. Many of you have commented that when Becky Pugh from the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings came to share a reflection with us during Mass you saw the need of those communities a bit more clearly. Because of your generosity, we have doubled our goal of raising $55,000 this year.
This response is the latest in a series of generous responses from our community. If you haven’t already, please familiarize yourself with the pictorial review of our recent Lenten Social Justice Projects in the hallway that extends from the east side (the Chapel side) of our Narthex. Spend some time looking at the pictures and, most importantly, continuing to learn about the following seven Principles of Catholic Social Teaching that are presented on the wall and how we have supported them:
The Dignity of Life
Rights and Responsibilities of Life
Community The Dignity of Work
Solidarity Care for Creation
Fundamental Option to Support
the Poor and Vulnerable
I am sure you have heard me espouse the benefits of silence as a tool for prayer, and particularly prolonged silence throughout this year. I have mentioned the benefits of the 30-Day Silent Directed Retreat and I am sure that seems daunting. We are offering a way for you to ease into the experience of silent prayer, and perhaps a great way to reflect on the highlights of our Be More series.
Fr. Paul Macke will lead a short silent retreat at Bellarmine entitled Put Out Into Deep Water-Going Deeper in Our Spiritual Lives, Friday and Saturday June 14 and 15. Fr. Macke will use the Ignatian tools of Examen of CONSCIOUSNESS and discernment of spirits to develop a contemplative attitude and to learn how to break through the more challenging times of our lives. Please see details and registration information on our website, in the flyers at the Be More stations in the narthex or on the Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House website.