Rohr: Service
“If your spiritual practice doesn’t lead you to some acts of concrete caring or service, then you have every reason not to trust it.”
—Richard Rohr, adapted from Near Occasions of Grace (Orbis Books, 1993), pp. 107-108.
Richard Rohr gives us an outstanding benchmark to determine if our spiritual practices are relevant—whether a practice is really working for us. If the practice leads to service or caring for others, then we are on the right track. When friends come for spiritual direction and talk about being “dry,” this can be a good test to determine if they should change their spiritual practices. If they are still feeling compassion for others, we might suggest that they keep on with the practice a little longer. If there is no concern for others, this may be a sign to try another spiritual practice to reestablish connection to God.
If the Spirit is working in our lives, there is only one way it can go, and that is outward. The Holy Spirit is not a halo; it is more like a river on the move. It can be like the current in the mighty Mississippi flowing downstream to the Gulf of Mexico, sometimes slowly, sometimes rapidly. On occasion, it can be like the rapids on the Snake River. Watch out! We will need to keep our life jackets on and stay close to our community for this one.
When we are connected to the love of God, it must flow outward. When we are aware of God, the Christ within ourselves, it can only branch out and lead us to seeing the Christ in another.
Rebecca Spooner is leading a morning retreat about the Enneagram at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Saturday February 29th from 9 to 1. The Cost is $15. Sign up on St. Mark’s website lovesaintmarks.org. Go to What’s on, then Events.
Joanna . joannaseibert.com