The words of the old hymn “I Need Thee Every Hour” keep going over and over again in my mind and my heart during these days:
“I need thee, O I need thee; every hour I need thee;
O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.”
We are living in days of extreme challenge – Afghanistan, Haiti, Hurricane Ida, Covid-19 to name a few. Our hearts break for those who are suffering, for those who have died, and for those who love each person.
The words of Julian of Norwich bring me hope and comfort when she says:
“By myself I am nothing at all,
but in general, I am in the oneing of love.
For it is in this oneing that the life of all people exists.”
Richard Rohr tells us in Silent Compassion, “The love of God creates in us such a oneing that when it is truly seen, no person can separate themselves from another person.” We truly are one in the spirit in all times but especially in a time such as this. We need God more than ever and we need each other.
I found this to be true this summer when I was experiencing a spiritual crisis. A friend invited me to go to Mercy Center in California for an Ignatian Silent Retreat. I had never done a five day silent retreat but it sounded perfect. And it was! I felt God’s closeness in a new and precious way. And I felt so close to those I knew who were praying for me. Julian’s word “oneing” has become personal to me. I simply cannot exist without this “oneing of love.”
During the months ahead, we will be sharing with you in the Koinonikos different spiritual practices that you can use at home to help you in your “oneing”. Although we offer these same practices during times on Zoom during the week, each one of these can be practiced by yourself at times that are good for you. We encourage you to begin these Holy Practices to help you be in touch with yourself, with God our Mother and our Father, and with each other.
You are also invited to attend any of studies and groups which now are being offered on Zoom. It is amazing how close to each other we can feel using this tool.
Please email me anytime.
Pastor Shirley