The Retreat in Daily Life

I have never been on retreat before, and as 2016 came to a close I promised myself I would look for an opportunity to go on retreat early this year. Then, I came across a retreat being put on in DC, one I had seen last year which involves at-home meditation along with a daily meeting with a spiritual director. Best of all, the focus is Ignatian prayer and spirituality, which is a sort of prayer that has always fascinated me. It involves studying scripture, often using one's imagination to experience the full scene of the Gospel at hand: the heat of the sun, the clothing on your back, and, most importantly, how Jesus looks and sounds right in front of you. You are always encouraged to speak with Jesus, as a friend, and ask yourself questions like, "What does my reaction to this scene tell me about me? Tell me about my relationship with God?"

So every day this week I am waking up early for 30 minutes of prayer and reflection. Did you know it's actually not all that hard to pray for 30 minutes? At least not the Ignatian way, because even that song playing in your head is a part of the experience. Or the distraction about an email you need to send, a conversation you must have, the things you must pick up from the store, are all okay.

What I'd like to share is the remarkable beauty of this form of prayer. It is interesting how each person can get a different impression from the same exercise; how you feel about "watching" the sermon on the mount may differ from how I feel; or the way a certain Psalm strikes you, that is to stay, how God speaks to you in that passage or parable.

During our opening session, the meditation was Luke 5:12-16, wherein Jesus heals a leper. After hearing the passage read aloud, we watched the scene from afar in our minds, coming closer, eventually being a physical participant, as Jesus heals the lepers and departs to the desert. We were asked to not only feel the cure ourselves, but to look at Jesus, looking at us, and to accompany him to the desert.

It sounds like a simple exercise, but for me it was deeply emotional. And all I could think was, "I am the leper." There is a part of each of us - and maybe it is not a part, but the whole - that needs to be healed, of something. That is what it means to be human, to be deep into a world that does not always honor us as spiritual beings. Anxiety, depression, feelings of worthlessness - whatever that fear and sadness is that keeps us from God, which needs to be healed - that is why I am the leper, that is why we are all the leper. And yet, Jesus look at each one of us with love, always. 

I am seeing some themes emerge as I work my way through the week's meditations, mostly related to fear and love and the sheer expanse of God's care and interest in us as his creation. It's a large topic - as large as the universe - and I do not expect to have answers by the end of this week. But I am open to where the process takes me, and am joyful for the opportunity to meet Jesus in this new and personal way. It can only mean good things.

Lessons in Leadership from St. Thomas More

My most recent article for Catholic Stand was published this month, entitled "Lessons in Leadership from St. Thomas More." I was inspired by a visit to the exhibit on the life of St. Thomas More at the St. Pope John Paul II Center in DC, as well as all the change happening politically in our country. St. Thomas More was an example of leadership then, as now. The original article can be accessed here, and the body is copy/pasted below. Enjoy!

Lessons in Leadership from St. Thomas More

St. Thomas More, patron saint of civil servants, statesmen, and politicians, lived a life of moral courage. A 15th-16th century saint, More was poet, author, lawyer, scholar, and Lord Chancellor in the British monarchy during Henry VIII’s scandal-ridden reign. For adhering to his Catholic faith, and silently refusing to acknowledge King Henry’s divorces and marriages, St. Thomas More went from trusted advisor to royal prisoner.

As big elections and leadership transitions occur across the globe, there are a few things the humble St. Thomas More can teach everyone – especially elected leaders – about governing with courage and authenticity.

Religious Freedom is Nonnegotiable

It was because of his religion that St. Thomas More ultimately left his coveted role in Henry VIII’s government, and later lost his life. In short, Henry, a Catholic, demanded an annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. Thomas More knew this was contrary to Church teaching, and combined with Henry’s increasing hostility to the Church, could not be a witness or supporter of Henry’s policies. To the very end, even when locked in the Tower of London, St. Thomas More never agreed to testify against his beliefs or his Church.

Religious freedom is the greatest of Americans’ freedoms, and we believe the right to worship according to one’s conscience is nonnegotiable. Unfortunately, the fight for religious freedom is a constant battle. The world needs leaders who recognize this sacred, inherent right to believe, and not just respect the right, but fight for it. Conscientious objection, public prayer, free observance of faith-centered holidays, and all the elements that make up a free religious life, make for a strong nation. St. Thomas More understood this, and those leading our modern world need understand also.

Diplomacy Matters

Interestingly enough, More never formally condemned Henry VIII’s actions. His final words, just before he was beheaded, were that he was “The king’s good servant, but God’s first.” In the award-winning movie, “A Man For All Seasons,” which depicts More’s finals years and relationship with Henry VIII, Cardinal Wolsey tells More that Henry needs a son, viewing the need as justification for the annulment and remarriage. He asks More, “What are you going to do about it?”

More’s response: “I pray for it daily.”

Rather than wade into the political fight, More remained neutral, yet loyal to both his God and his King. St. Thomas More chose to stay above petty politics and knew nothing could be gained by declaring public enemies. All too often, our own politicians rely on personal attacks to make their point, but what the world needs now are level heads and productive dialogue, maintaining peace as the ultimate goal.

Keep Family Close

Although he held demanding state duties, St. Thomas More was primarily a family man, with a devout home full of visitors and those he mentored. He had a strong relationship with his daughter, Margaret, who he educated equally alongside his sons, and his wife was his confidante and counselor.  For More, his family relationship was his top priority after a relationship with God.

Keeping family first will help leaders when things get complicated on the world stage. The support of loved ones, and a sense of correctly ordered priorities, makes a difference both in one’s mental and emotional health, but also in decision making. As the great St. Pope John Paul II said, ““As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.” It is imperative that today’s leaders make decisions that will strengthen families.

Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide

In another great line from “A Man For All Seasons,” Thomas More says, “I believe, when statesmen forsake their own private conscience for the sake of their public duties, they lead their country by a short route to chaos.” In all things, More sought the moral, just route. Speaking of morality is a politically incorrect thing now as it was in Henry VIII’s day, but that did not stop More and it shouldn’t stop today’s leaders, either.

If you’d like to learn more about St. Thomas More, I recommend watching “A Man for All Seasons.” Also, if you live in the DC area, the St. Pope John Paul II Shrine is having an exhibit on St. Thomas More’s lifeuntil March. Lastly, take a look at some of his writings, which include the novel Utopia and his famous “The Prayer in the Tower,” to get a personal sense for the man and saint.

St. Thomas More, patron of statesmen, pray for us and our world in this time of change!

Merry Christmas!

And just like that, Advent has come and gone and we begin the season of Christmas! How was your Advent, and your Christmas Day?

I ended up following a few particular practices for keeping Advent. They included a daily rosary prayed with special intentions and following the daily meditations in Give Us This Day, as well as keeping the Advent wreath tradition each Sunday. Overall I tried to keep the waiting, patient (and calm and loving!) attitude that is the hallmark of the season. And I think I did okay!

Seems pretty simple, doesn't it? In fact, I'm sure there are plenty of Catholics who do both those things (daily meditation and rosary) year-round. I learned last year, though, that over-committing left me frustrated and defeated the purpose of the whole season. There's nothing good about being spiritually competitive. So, a mindful and peaceful Advent, focused on its meaning, was the right thing for me this year.

And now - it is Christmas! I pray that you and your family had a beautiful Christmas day and a continued happy and bright Christmas season. Between now and January 9, here is what we have to look forward to:

• Feast of St. Stephen, Martyr (Dec. 26 - today)
• Feast of St. John, Apostle and Evangelist (Dec. 27)
• Feast of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs (Dec. 28)
• The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph (Dec. 30)
• Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God (Jan. 1)
• The Epiphany of the Lord (Jan. 8)
• The Baptism of the Lord (Jan. 9)

That is one of the things I love about our Church - there are lots of opportunities to learn about the history and figures that built the Church have influenced her, as well as lots of opportunities to feast and celebrate. 

Oh and one last thing - as a Christmas present to myself (aside from a pair of black velvet Ivanka Trump heels on sale - come on, it is Christmas) - I bought, and am reading, Fulton Sheen's Life of Christ. I'm only a few pages in, but already it is beautiful and to the point in his signature way. Whenever I read Fulton Sheen I feel like he is looking over my shoulder and reading my soul and not letting me make excuses for myself. And that's a pretty good way to start the new year, eh?