5th response to 3 of 4

Group #25 responded:

All of our predecessors have had to grapple with holy creative tension, such as that expressed in the Flaming Arrow. What is it in your life?

Trial of life grapple with to overcome self to seek union with Christ. Family issues, health, difficulties in vocation and life. Difficult to separate secular vs faith. God vs world as solution to problem – lose if choose world as moves us away from God. If choose God, Holy Spirit aides in decisions.
When to say a “holy” no to someone/something in order to say “yes” to God. Not to take on too much.
Work – but have some responsibilities as in each moment of day and finding Christ in daily life.
Easier to convert as world not present – more free to interact with God.
More docility which leads to joy –
In convent easier to get close to God.
To get here all paid – wait for phones, room reservation cancelled – because of Carmel had grace of calm.
Tension – keeping life we profess to live (Gospel life) – trying to live more perfectly and seriously Gospel life – all have tension – sometimes more than others – if away from God lose docility (faith, hope and love & bring to others). If we go where we want, God put in second place. Great family as Carmelites, we’re not doing alone. Tension to get up, grades, work done, etc. Privileged life. We’ve all been invited to banquet - what causes us not to respond?
Since young and impatient (7 kids) – now that retired and can focus more on God – so much peace. If don’t have God, have nothing. When came in, professed in 2 years – so much easier and less tension.
Tense when out of order – prayers don’t get said, etc. anxiety – normal response.
Necessary not going away, learn to live with it – it is our relationship-creative
Have to have tension to have balance.
Jacob wrestling – saw face of God – limped away – wound remained
Didn’t go away – how to learn to live with tension – learn to surrender out of love, My God, my mother –
How what we’re considering affects secular community?