Spiritual Breakthroughs from the Ending Year

Hi Mr. Emerson, "Spiritual breakthroughs" in 2014? Well, Holy Father Francis likes to call God, "a God of Surprises!" Even a hurried look through Revelation confirms this, glimpsing the people, most unlikely people with whom God chose to work out human salvation. Speaking at least for myself, see what a messy lot we are, yet individually and collectively offered enthronement above the stars, and according to one of the "messy ones" become a Gentilian Light, Paul, we are offered a share in Divine Life, "partakers" he tells us That's an aspect of the essence of the 2014 breakthrough that I tried to lock into, just as I have been doing all my eightythree years of life and plan to continue this year as well, and beyond until the "chariot" arrives, surprise after painful surprise! Sinless man that he was, how surprised Jesus in his humanity must have been at what happened to him, what a surprise the God of Surprises had in store for him! This predictability is teaching me trust and so I guess that's the real 2014 breakthrough in my life - learning to trust God. Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, Matt, and may God bless you and your wife as you begin your journey together in marriage. The major spiritual breakthrough of my life occurred more than 14 years ago, in June 2000. Since then, I find that I have to periodically rediscover that breakthrough, because the busyness of life, the chattering words in my head and in my life, lead me away sometimes, I return to the same old pattern of sins I thought I had finally conquered, and I have to start all over again. In June 2000, I learned that prayer is not about words - at least not about my words - it's about listening. In June of 2000 I learned about silence, I learned about Centering Prayer. I practiced CP faithfully for years - every day and it was transformational. But then, after many years, I lapsed. Slowly I returned to my former ways, forgetting to love. I forgot that I am not in control, but that God is, and that we can trust God. So I lost some peace and serenity., I forgot how to surrender. So now I am starting again, to re-learn again that I must make time to sit in silence, to listen to what God is saying. I don't need to say anything at all. God knows all the words in our minds, hearts, and souls. God knows all of our needs, all of our desires, all of our joys and all of our sorrows, our strengths and our sins. So we have to stop the unceasing flow of words, especially the ceaseless "chattering monkeys" in our minds, in order to hear what God is saying. There are many wonderful books/spiritual writers where anyone can learn more and to inspire faithfulness to the practice of silence. Julian of Norwich, The Cloud of Unknowing, Merton, Thomas Keating, John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, Evelyn Underhill, Richard Rohr, Anthony Demello. I often read before centering, reflecting on what I read, even though when centering I try to leave words behind and sit in silence to hear God. It is also helpful to find a CP group. Each is different, and a newcomer to CP may need to visit a few before finding a natural fit. The groups are mostly ecumenical and are hosted mostly by Catholic, Episcopal and Methodist churches. More information is available at Contemplative Outreach. http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/ A drop-down menu under the "Community" heading provides a limited directory of groups. Sometimes there are others that haven't been included yet. I have found that you can look at church websites or even google "centering prayer" and the city or town name together. Richard Rohr sometimes begins his talks with an adaptation of Psalm 46:10Be still, and know that I am God Be still, and know that I am Be still, and know Be still.