Three Ways of LovingIgnatian Spiritual Exercises – Week #19 The incident with Jesus going with Jairus to heal his daughter and the woman with the 12-year hemorrhage is one that draws my attention. (Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8:40-56) For three days I sat in prayer with the people engaged with Jesus. The relationship Jesus has withContinue reading “Jesus: “Touch me!””
Author Archives: paulbestill
The Shining Star of Advent
Ignatian Spiritual Exercises Week of Christmas The scriptural accounts of the birth of Jesus have become so familiar to us that it is possible to to loose the curiosity that allows God to speak a new word to us. I catch myself saying, “I have heard this before” and thus I cutoff what new thing GodContinue reading “The Shining Star of Advent”
The Heart
Some thoughts I am having regarding the heart. This is mostly confessional. The physical organ called the heart is central to my physical existence. But this organ is also my spiritual organ of perception. There is more going on here than beating and moving blood around. My entire being comes to a gathering place in theContinue reading “The Heart”
Good News of Great Joy, and…
Ignatian Spiritual ExercisesWeek of Prayer #13The Childhood of Jesus When the angel appeared to the shepherds, he announced, I bring you good news of great joy which shall be for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ, the Lord. Luke 2:10-11 This is goodContinue reading “Good News of Great Joy, and…”
Favor with God? Look Out!
Ignatian Spiritual Exercises – Week of Pray #12The Birth of Jesus It is hard to fathom on a human level God sending a woman who is 8-9 months pregnant on a donkey to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem. It is about 90 miles, and averaging a pace of 2.5 mph for about 8 hours aContinue reading “Favor with God? Look Out!”
Impossible? Not with God!
Ignatian Spiritual ExercisesWeek of Prayer #11The Contemplation on the Incarnation The angel Gabriel comes to Mary with an announcement – that she will carry the child who is the Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit. Remarkable is an understatement, and the consequences far reaching. Mary’s question, “How can this be…” is reasonable, forContinue reading “Impossible? Not with God!”
Where Are You?
Ignatian Spiritual ExercisesPrayer Week #7 – The Reality of Sin God is looking for Adam and Eve. How can it be that the God who just created all that there is, including humans in the image and likeness of God, can now not find God’s creation? This seems like such an impossibility. Adam and EveContinue reading “Where Are You?”
Throwing Off the Cloak!
Week Five: God’s Call to Me Throwing off his cloak. What do you want me to do for you. You have seen well. I am watching over my Word to perform it. I know the plans I have for you:a future, a hope…Seek Me with all your heart. Do not be afraidTo build and to plant PutContinue reading “Throwing Off the Cloak!”
Accepting What Has Been Given from Heaven.
Week Four – God’s Invitation to Greater Freedom No one can receive anythingexcept what has been given from heaven. ~John the Baptist, John 3:27 John speaks this statement in response to a word from his disciples that Jesus is baptizing more people and all are going to him. John knew his place and accepted this asContinue reading “Accepting What Has Been Given from Heaven. “
Freedom!
Week Two of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises: God’s Ongoing Creation Creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. (Romans 8:21) Freedom. I think if there is anything I desire out of the spiritual journey it is True Freedom. I am not thinking about theContinue reading “Freedom!”
Journey to BE Still 