9th response to 3 of 4

Everything that happens in our life is an opportunity for an encounter with God. How do we respond? Do we try to tend towards union with Him?

Group #14 responded:

Last 10 years searching for spiritual fulfillment – found that in Carmelites. Had cancer.
In my community, that’s where I found my peace, where I want to grow.
My challenge: when someone makes me angry, how not to push them away.
St John “where there isn’t love, put love.”
I found helpful in difficult situation: I found that God had allowed that – he was there all the time.
I have difficulty in seeing Christ in each person. Find it happens gradually, as I get older.
Good question. How do you see Jesus Christ in someone you hate?
Love doesn’t hate.
Mother Teresa: some face of Christ more difficult to look at.
Reed of God by Caryll Houselander – good book in relating to seeing Jesus in everyone.
It’s faith – seeing with the eyes of faith.
Especially the homeless. My mother: saw them feed homeless “that could be Christ”
We live where there’s always people holding signs [homeless]. One time husband and I disagreed about it so he allotted me an amount to do with what I wanted. A big black guy came up and asked me for money. I was self-righteous, shaking finger at him because he smoked, but I gave him the $20. But I felt so ashamed afterwards.
One tension: thinking I can control someone else. When I got married (25 years ago) I said to myself “I do not want to change my wife” but unconsciously I tried to. It’s the control that is difficult. The tension to want someone else to do what you want.
A very human situation.
Way of Perfection – St Teresa says you’re not in control.
What about tending toward union with God?
Eucharistic Adoration each week, 3 AM Tuesday.
What about workplace?
20 years I was in hospital ministry. Took each patient to Jesus in the tabernacle.
I choose 3 AM adoration because that’s time when family abuse occurs.

Father was speaking about Japanese scientist who tried to photograph water crystals as they were forming. He exposed words and music to them. When his words were beautiful, beautiful crystal formed – opposite also true.

We enter his courts with praise and thanksgiving.
It’s only God that does that [union with God].
I believe I am in union when receiving Holy Communion.
[discussion of spiritual marriage]
We must remain open to God. Purity of intentions is important. Don’t rely on feelings.
We should be like the woman who implored the king – at 3 AM go and “bug” Jesus.
Whether one has Eucharistic adoration or not, all can give thanksgiving after mass.
Mystical Body of Christ is important.
We are being in him and through him.
Important to me: don’t worry about the speck in my neighbor’s eye…but the timber in my own.