DISCOVER
Learning More About Spiritual Formation
The awe-inspiring altar of St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
Back in the early days of autumn 2023, when I felt certain the word God wanted me to focus on in 2024 was “DISCOVER,” I began thinking about what this theme would look like and asking what my soul needed to discover.
Bottom line that kept emerging was what is known as the Protos Commandment: (According to Greek/Hebrew Definitions from Strong's Concordance: pro'-tos is foremost (in time, place, order or importance):--before, beginning, best, chief(-est), first…).
I wanted to DISCOVER how to live these words more authentically and effectively:
“Jesus said unto him, ‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39 KJV)
or translated into more modern verbiage:
“Jesus said, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.’ This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39 MSG)
For several years, I have been intrigued by the variety of expressions of Christianity, which have emerged during the two plus millennia since Jesus’ birth, ministry, death, and resurrection. How are Christians formed spiritually? I have wondered.
I was thinking along these lines while Ron and I toured the Vatican last May. As thoughts churned in my brain while listening to our tour guide discuss the history of the Popes—great, good, average, not-so-good, and downright bad—I felt that mysterious “still, small voice” of the Spirit whisper assurance into my soul,
The Church was God’s idea, and God will preserve His Church.
Intrigue fuels curiosity, and to dive deeper seemed consistent with both a DISCOVER focus, and the desire to live out the Protos Commandment.
Dr. Deborah Gill, my first spiritual director as well as founder and director of the spiritual direction program through which I was trained, suggested a seminary spiritual formation textbook: The Brazos Introduction of Christian Spirituality by Evan B. Howard.
One of my core values is to remain a lifelong learner. Even though I often feel like the proverbial “deer in the headlights” while reading this challenging book, I am excited about what God wants me to DISCOVER. I decided although I may not feel very “smart,” I will be “smart enough” to take away what my soul needs.
Prayer:
God, I want to love you more completely, but the process is often confusing.
During this coming year, please lead me to understanding better.
Show me not only how to love You, but
Remove preconceived notions and prejudices preventing me from loving others, and
Help me recognize and believe truth about false narratives that keep me from loving myself.
Thank you, and AMEN!
Blessings on your journey of discovery,
