Weekly Inspiration (7/25/24)

“ Jesus knew the needs of those around him because he listened intently. He also knew that people experience the healing presence of God when they are able to listen to their own needs and are invited to name them. So he asked questions like “What do you want me to do for you?” and “What are you looking for?” Listening is a crucial first step in responding to human need. ”

Br. Keith Nelson
Society of Saint John the Evangelist

Poem of the Week

by Steve Garnaas-Holmes

“Come away to a deserted place
            all by yourselves and rest a while.”
                           —Mark 6.3

Let go of what you need to do, what you have to do,
what you're supposed to do. Let go.

All you do, all you accomplish, even the most life-giving,
is only a shadow of who you are.

Allow a deeper calling to have you,
a greater life to possess you.

Go to a deserted place all by yourself,
a place which is not a place but a time,

a time of spaciousness with lots of room
for the silence to open wide, where you can listen.

Spend time in that place inside yourself,
a place of solitude, where you are solely a soul.

Let an infinite delight create you again;
infinite love flow through you.

Let God's primary joy, that you are,
become your primary joy.

Be at peace in that peace. Give it time.
Give it time. Let that be enough.

Then go out into the world,
a faithful steward of your holy being