"Everything Belongs, the Gift of Contemplative Prayer"
Spring 2003 Bible Study

Chapter 1

"St. Joan of Arc Bible Study is an open and growing group that meets for fellowship and to discuss the Bible and other faith-centered literature. Our informal study group draws from biblical scholarship, historical perspectives, current events and personal reflections. We welcome honor and respect the personal ideas and spiritual journeys of all who join us."

Good evening

It is difficult to express how wonderful it feels to be back with this spectacular group of people after a short yoga sabbatical. Are you telling me you all do this every Tuesday evening? Hello! I can't stand it! Thank you for being here.

Apparently I missed the first part of our opening prayer which included a song about Joy, Joy, Joy but I did get to hear a couple simple and powerful readings. We were also given candles to hold. One was lit from the communal fire and we then turned to the person next to us and lit theirs while saying, "may the peace of Jesus be with you today and always." This was done while one of our dear ones kept a slow and steady beat with a sacred drum. We all took a turn with a rain stick as well. What a way to set the tone.

Wow. One may think that a book on contemplative prayer may be slow, plodding or boring. Heh, heh. I think it's safe to say that Richard Rohr's Everything Belongs is nothing short of exhilarating. If the first chapter is any indication, the book is rich with meaning and insight into human beings and our relationships with each other and God. And just take a peak at the title of the second chapter...Vision of Enchantment. Are you kidding me?

Our facilitator is quite fond of the Rohr book as is evidenced by the well worn and marked appearance of her book and the fact that she has read it cover to cover at least three times. She did a fantastic job facilitating an introduction to the book and directing us through the first chapter, Center and Circumference, by sharing some of her own experiences and compiling a list of pertinent questions and "significant ideas" that emerged in Chapter one. We shared communal readings in the large group and were not shy with our insights and feelings about what we had read. Here follows a sampling of the questions.

What does Rohr mean by the "contemplative mind?" (see page 21)

"People are trying to create identities and let go of boundaries but have not yet experienced their core." When and how does this happen? Does this ring true for any of us? Have we seen this in ourselves or loved ones?

Sometimes at SJA (we seem to) know what we're against. Do we know what we're for? Do we firm up our identities too quickly? What about dialog?

What do you understand / experience about Rohr's "tolerance of the skeptic?" How do you feel about Rohr's phrase "a refusal to stands for anything?" (page 23)

Around 8 pm we stampeded to the snack bar. I am sure several of us actually smelled or somehow sensed the fresh hand-churned whipped cream that had been heaped generously between two pieces of sweet, soft and squishy bread. Did somebody say, "Cream Puffs?" Jiminy Christmas! We definitely dined in style and we had good reason too. Our cousin Maggie celebrated her 28th birthday today. Happy Birthday, Maggie!

Small groups were awesome and the time passed way too quickly. Some of the discussion centered on being busted up from a difficult life event. Feeling lost or wondering where our faith is or what our faith is but realizing that this is precisely when we are open to the divine. If everything is great and we know everything there is to know what are the chances we'll be alert enough to catch god moving within us. That upheaval is like freshly tilled and prepared soil waiting for seed. We are fertile.

We discussed our upbringings and how cultured and "brain washed" we can be and how difficult it can be to break free from these limiting beliefs. We talked about love and fear, ego, death and rebirth and absolutely wonderful and threatening stuff. It just doesn't get any better than this.

We closed with sharing form our small group discussions and readings from a little red book about our possibilities in God. Thank you.

Let's say a lil' sumin' 'bout next week. Please read chapter 2

Facilitator Luann
Set up John and Noel
O. Prayer Judith
C. Prayer (I don't recall)!
Treats Rita
Clean up Rik
Bookstore
After 9 Bob
After 11 Jeanne

Peace is upon us
Rik Murray
(612) 872-8694