Words today during the Homily stung with relevancy the fault of self-absorption thrown as a dart piercing my Lenten reflections. It is important to meditate upon the idea of being too self-absorbed. First acknowledging criticism, the insight of others, is important for higher spiritual growth. I observe and express insights regarding others. It is only fair I receive the same in kind. I am convinced being overly-sensitive is a serious culpability plaguing too many pursuing the spiritual life. Their faith is sound. Their behavior is solid in morality. Their thoughts are growing in sanctity. However let someone disagree with them, or tell them they are flat out wrong about something, and witness them recoil in horror, often passively aggressively turning against the one possessing the nerve to accost their holy life. It is good to be slapped around from time to time. Anyway, self-absorption I am attempting to slowly draw away from, while understanding my strengths, relying always upon my prayer life, mass, and the Eucharist. The cloistered life hovers, and I identify a solid mindset within myself able to profit from such a life. I will not be shallow or delusional in activity. I am grateful for the immense, and miraculous growth achieved through overcoming my isolated insane life of a severe alcoholic. All glory to God. My Cleveland experience was vital in lifting from such a deplorable state, yet it proved wounding also. A level able to lift me from a lower level needed to be transcended. The overall spiritual immaturity, being exposed and made vulnerable to those unable to sustain mature adult relationships within the community of faith, those unable to live lives strong in family values, sound simple contributing members of a parish, stung me harshly. Growing in strength and confidence, knowing who I am and who I am not, I am careful opening myself to others. I am proud of my activities with the Hospice, and now with the parishes of St Clare and Sacred Heart. I will exercise patience in exposing my interior life to others.
Speaking of Sacred Heart I was giving the schedule for the men’s Lenten retreat. It is amazing. Take this in.
9-9:15 Opening prayer and greetings.
9:15-10 EWTN Year of Mercy and Forgiveness with Father Mark Hollis.
10-10:45 Salvation for married and single men by Bishop Anthony Pilla.
BREAK
11-11:45 Pornography—the battle for our souls by Tom Wenzel from EWTN.
11:45-12:30 Examination of conscience and preparations for confession by Deacon Bob Grgic
LUNCH and CONFESSION and ADORATION
2-2:45 How to be a Catholic man in our world today by Father David Ireland, Sacred Heart pastor.
2:45-3:15 Questions and answers with panel of presenters.
3:15-3:30 Presentation by Joe Madigan about the Knights of Columbus.
4:00 PM MASS with parishioners in the Church.
I love it!!!
