Authority and Tradition

Durham Cathedral

I have been pondering how authority and tradition work together. I have thought for many years that spiritual direction offers an opportunity to relocate the locus of authority from without to within. I mean by this that, rather than constantly looking to scripture, church tradition, books on theology and spirituality, or teachers, preachers, and leaders … Continue reading Authority and Tradition

8 ways to be with thoughts in prayer

Poppies

How’s it going in surrendering yourself to the Mystery that has intimately accessed your heart and has brought you to this place that it might translate you into itself?James Finley  If you ask me just precisely how one is to go about doing the contemplative work of love, I am at a complete loss. All … Continue reading 8 ways to be with thoughts in prayer

Spiritual direction at the end of the world (4)

Snow on grass

What God is waiting for is not a right conclusion to a matter but for our suppleness in falling into His hands for Him to work in us. Benedicta Ward, Discernment: A Rare Bird Where shall the word be found, where will the word Resound? T.S. Eliot, Ash Wednesday Spiritual direction at the end of … Continue reading Spiritual direction at the end of the world (4)

Spiritual direction at the end of the world (3)

Kirkcarrion sunset

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight. But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.Luke 12.6–7 If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save … Continue reading Spiritual direction at the end of the world (3)

Spiritual direction at the end of the world (2)

Middleton-in-Teesdale in the snow

‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.Matthew … Continue reading Spiritual direction at the end of the world (2)

A training day for Guildford spiritual directors

Where is God?

Where is God? "Where is God in all this?" I am running a training day for spiritual directors in Guildford Diocese entitled, “Where is God in all this?”. Here is the blurb: “Where is God in all this?” is a question much-beloved of spiritual directors. However, if God is “in all things” then this question … Continue reading A training day for Guildford spiritual directors

Thoughts in a time of plague

Desert, Newberry Springs, CA (photo by Julian Maddock)

This time of plague is a desolation for many: loss of work, loss of income, loss of health, loss of life; traumatic, dangerous front-line work; and decimated support services. Those of us not so endangered still suffer desolation. There is overwhelming uncertainty: where will we be next year, or next week!? How are we to live now? What is God’s call now? … Continue reading