Moment of Oneness, August 24, 2022

 Moment of Oneness, August 24, 2022

 

Picture of Mary, as per the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary celebrated in August.

 

In the Name of Peace and Love and Grace. Amen. (The Sign of Protection and Love, The Companions Rosary, 2019)

Opening Prayer:

Welcome to each of you as we gather this evening, (or whenever, wherever you are sharing this prayerful time.) Earlier in this month of August, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was celebrated in the calendar of the Roman Catholic tradition. 

Mary of Nazareth was so much more than we can imagine. The fact that we still honor her life and presence with us is critical to our understanding of Jesus. She was a Leader, a Teacher, a Follower, and a Companion. Today, in our own way, let us remember her.

 

(Reading from Emotional Sobriety, Rewiring our Programs for Happiness, Center for Action and Contemplation. Richard Rohr, 2011.)

Much of the work of emotional maturity is learning to distinguish between emotions that offer a helpful message about ourselves or the moment, and emotions that are merely narcissistic reactions to the moment. I dare to say that, until we have found our spiritual center and ground, most of our emotional responses are usually too self-referential to be helpful or truthful. They read the moment as if the “I,” with its immediate needs and hurts, is the reference point for objective truth. It isn’t. The small, defensive “I” cannot hold that space. 

Reality/God/Creation holds that space. Persistent use of the small self as an objective reference point will only create deeper problems in the long run; it will not solve them.

If an emotion does not help us read a situation better and more truthfully, we must let it go—for our own well-being. Most of us are naturally good at attachment, but we have very little training in detachment or letting go. We must take the risk of legitimate attachment (fully feeling the emotion), learn its important message, and then have the presence and purpose to detach from that fascinating emotion after it has done its work. This is the gift and power of an emotionally mature person.

 

Quiet Contemplation of Mary’s decisions and leadership impacting our lives…

 

Mary, You are one of our Spiritual Mothers and Leaders. 

Help us to say yes to the call of the Holy One in our daily lives.

 

Mary, You show us how to live with Courage in our Convictions. 

Help us to stand by each other with unending support and love.

 

Mary, You walked the path of inclusive love with your son, Jesus. 

Help us to follow his example, as you taught him.

 

The Hail Mary (The Companions Rosary)

Hail Mary, full of grace, Our God is with you.

Blessed are You among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother and Friend,

Be with us now, at our hour, and beyond, AMEN.

 

Closing Blessing and Prayer:

As we pray through our hearts and souls, and through our humanness, we come to know you Holy One, Creator, Lover, and Enhancer. 

Bring your blessings on each of us here and remind us that we have the power to share those blessings with everyone we touch in our lives. 

Keep us safe tonight as we sleep and always shelter us with your Love. 

Thank you for the gifts of Faith, Hope and Patient Awareness and Love.

We keep you in our sights.  AMEN.