Father Pierre Teilhard De Chardin...what a man. I could talk about him and his influence for days, he is an individual I look up to and, after reading "The Divine Milieu", can say I would strive to live like. Hi passions are undeniable, but I think what I like most about him is how simply he lived and the sense of detachment he lived his life with, knowing that even joy is fleeting and we shouldn't try to possess anything. Another thing I love about Father Pierre is his integrity - he was committed to following through with his words and convictions and beliefs, especially in the power of love and the understanding that God is love and through Him we can do anything.
It was hard to understand at first, what Father Pierre meant when he repeatedly tells us to move towards the Omega Point, but through hearing Sue Sacks speak and discussing "The Divine Milieu" further, I learned what Fr. Pierre meant in that. God designed each of us to follow Him through His individual plans for us, ultimately leading back to Christ and this cosmic dance to and from our Lord. In doing this together as a Christian body, we are practicing true communion with each other.
We make choices every day to either build up the world into its full potential or sell ourselves and society short! Just like Fr. Pierre says, the world is one of light and fire and even in darkness there is light, in the light, there is life. What a beautiful thing to bear in mind through the storms of our life. In that light that is life, is GOD! At the center of it all is something so wonderful beyond what we could ever imagine and Fr. Pierre reminds us to always trust in that, even when things go poorly for us, God will not and does not abandon us. He treats us like His children, desires our happiness, and suffers when we suffer. It is our opportunity and responsibility to take the lives God has given us and follow the divine plan set out for each of us to strive to be our full selves.
"The greater humanity becomes, the more humanity becomes united with the consciousness of and mastery of its potentialities, the more beautiful creation will be, the more perfect adoration will become, and the more Christ will find for mystical extensions - a body worthy of resurrection"
-The Divine Milieu, Fr. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
Monday, April 30, 2012
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Icons all around
Todays lesson from Dr. Silva Bunta on Icons was a different lecture than what we've had thus far, and definitely stretched my mind! Dr. Bunta's lecture was so deep and intricate and it was so apparent to me how passionate he is for the subject matter and just how knowledgeable he is in the field! From that respect, this lecture was very interesting, but at the same time, it really was beyond me and some of the ideas were ones I just couldn't grasp! For example, everything could potentially be an icon - how is that possible!? When do we know if something is reaching their full potential? What if we think someone or something is reaching their potential as God intended them to but in reality, they're not there yet and we're selling this person short? These were unanswered questions I was left to ponder with a spinning brain.
I did, however, really like how much Dr. Bunta emphasized that icons are vital in Christianity as a reminder of the link between divinity and humanity, the understanding of the world, and understanding of humanity. How cool to think that God is present in everything, making all things and people icons in some way - that is still above my head a little bit, but it's a neat thought to have!
Personally, I have never encountered an icon of any sort that has inspired me to pray to it as a connection to God, but I can appreciate those who do use icons in their daily prayers and respect their personal type of prayer!
I did, however, really like how much Dr. Bunta emphasized that icons are vital in Christianity as a reminder of the link between divinity and humanity, the understanding of the world, and understanding of humanity. How cool to think that God is present in everything, making all things and people icons in some way - that is still above my head a little bit, but it's a neat thought to have!
Personally, I have never encountered an icon of any sort that has inspired me to pray to it as a connection to God, but I can appreciate those who do use icons in their daily prayers and respect their personal type of prayer!
I Am...
Loved, blessed, strong, beautiful, God's child, a member of the world...the list could go on and on. And that's exactly what Tom Shadyac's documentary and interview are about.
First, watching the documentary "I Am" was inspiring and left me with my jaw dropped and wanting to get up off the couch and do something!! When someone finally recognizes that there is a spiritual disease in our world and then goes to question what to do about it, that's a big deal, and that is just what Tom's movie did. Wow. Tom does a good job of pointing out indisputable facts, then pushing his audience to question what we can do to change the atmosphere of our earth and make it less individualized and more of a giant community. One of my favorite points that he made was that in order to do something for someone else, it has to be a physical thing in today's culture. I have experienced people serving me with their words and touching my heart and deep into my soul! Although according to society today, our job is to be a consumer rather than just a citizen, human beings are still hardwired for a compassionate response to others and our heart outweighs our brain a hundred times over.
Then, let's talk about our AMAZING interview with Tom via Skype! Seriously, the whole time I was just relishing in that time together because after we hung up, I wanted to talk to him more, I wanted to grab a coffee with him and hang out! (Nevermind the cross-country distance issue...) He was knowledgeable in a way that I totally didn't expect but the way he spoke to us was as friends and in no way condescending or superior. Tom reminded me that we are all perfectly imperfect humans in this crazy thing called life and really, we need to rely on each other. His love for God and faith in His plan was so evident in the way he spoke and I could really tell he genuinely cared about bettering himself into the best version of Tom Shadyac he could be and listen to God's call for him to serve others. Personally, I loved his words on education and how the standardization with grades and categories for students is counterintuitive and opposite of what God wants for us in our learning experiences...a few professors could use that advice!
In all seriousness, this interview has been one of my favorite elements of the course thus far. While I wouldn't necessarily say Tom is quite in our generation, he definitely is a role model for what it looks like to live out your vocation by living simply the way God calls us to.
First, watching the documentary "I Am" was inspiring and left me with my jaw dropped and wanting to get up off the couch and do something!! When someone finally recognizes that there is a spiritual disease in our world and then goes to question what to do about it, that's a big deal, and that is just what Tom's movie did. Wow. Tom does a good job of pointing out indisputable facts, then pushing his audience to question what we can do to change the atmosphere of our earth and make it less individualized and more of a giant community. One of my favorite points that he made was that in order to do something for someone else, it has to be a physical thing in today's culture. I have experienced people serving me with their words and touching my heart and deep into my soul! Although according to society today, our job is to be a consumer rather than just a citizen, human beings are still hardwired for a compassionate response to others and our heart outweighs our brain a hundred times over.
Then, let's talk about our AMAZING interview with Tom via Skype! Seriously, the whole time I was just relishing in that time together because after we hung up, I wanted to talk to him more, I wanted to grab a coffee with him and hang out! (Nevermind the cross-country distance issue...) He was knowledgeable in a way that I totally didn't expect but the way he spoke to us was as friends and in no way condescending or superior. Tom reminded me that we are all perfectly imperfect humans in this crazy thing called life and really, we need to rely on each other. His love for God and faith in His plan was so evident in the way he spoke and I could really tell he genuinely cared about bettering himself into the best version of Tom Shadyac he could be and listen to God's call for him to serve others. Personally, I loved his words on education and how the standardization with grades and categories for students is counterintuitive and opposite of what God wants for us in our learning experiences...a few professors could use that advice!
In all seriousness, this interview has been one of my favorite elements of the course thus far. While I wouldn't necessarily say Tom is quite in our generation, he definitely is a role model for what it looks like to live out your vocation by living simply the way God calls us to.
It's as simple as three circles...
Here I was, sitting in Vocation and the Arts class thinking we'd keep the topics strictly related to Christianity and even specifically Catholicism when in pops a video called "Touching the Earth" all about the faith and spirituality of Native Americans. Talk about enlightening and fascinating!
My favorite bit was probably the summary of the philosophies of the native peoples at the end:
1) Step into nature - move beyond closed, artificial environments and treat yourself to the presence of God in nature.
2) Step into yourself, quietly without words, expectations, or judgements
3) Step gently into the world of others, walk softly in other peoples' lives - people should spring back and be refreshed by our passing through their lives
What was most interesting to me was that each of those things requires ACTION to be taken - we must take the necessary steps required to have a faith life that is based on a relationship and oneness with God. The combination of the land, the community, and the individual person all being essential to ones spiritual health is a beautiful triad. This native way actually ends up being the purest form of the Christian way - we're called to serve others and be selfless and share together in community. We forget so often how simple things can be when we don't let the silly stuff get in the way. Too often we think to ourselves "Oh I have to put in this many hours of work so I can pay for this...then I'll be happy" when in reality, spending time with the people who fill us up - especially God - is worth more than any number of hours at work will pay you. This circle of wholeness is a remarkable thing to reflect on and strive to live more fully in.
My favorite bit was probably the summary of the philosophies of the native peoples at the end:
1) Step into nature - move beyond closed, artificial environments and treat yourself to the presence of God in nature.
2) Step into yourself, quietly without words, expectations, or judgements
3) Step gently into the world of others, walk softly in other peoples' lives - people should spring back and be refreshed by our passing through their lives
What was most interesting to me was that each of those things requires ACTION to be taken - we must take the necessary steps required to have a faith life that is based on a relationship and oneness with God. The combination of the land, the community, and the individual person all being essential to ones spiritual health is a beautiful triad. This native way actually ends up being the purest form of the Christian way - we're called to serve others and be selfless and share together in community. We forget so often how simple things can be when we don't let the silly stuff get in the way. Too often we think to ourselves "Oh I have to put in this many hours of work so I can pay for this...then I'll be happy" when in reality, spending time with the people who fill us up - especially God - is worth more than any number of hours at work will pay you. This circle of wholeness is a remarkable thing to reflect on and strive to live more fully in.
There is a candle in every heart...
This week in class we learned about C.S. Lewis and his personal faith journey as well as discussed Ronald Rolheiser's book "The Shattered Lantern". Never would I have imagined that the beloved author who is openly Christian would have had such humble beginnings in the faith aspect of his life. I was surprised to learn that Mr. Lewis did not always have the strong faith that was so evident to us - he searched for years to fill the deep longing in his heart and did not believe that God was the one who would be able to do it. Lewis is the epitome of stubborn and really thought he could figure out this whole "joy" thing on his own. Ultimately, when he took a leap and surrendered to God, his life changed and he was awakened to a new sense of joy, love, purpose, and relationship.
In Father Rolheiser's book, we're reminded of the way society has downplayed faith in our lives and the way we reject God daily because it's not glamorous or popular or portrayed in a positive light by the media. Yet somehow, we still want this relationship with God and have expectations that He should take care of us and do things for us. How selfish!! Who wants to be in a relationship that is "give give give" and getting nothing in return? Rolheiser points out that is kind of what our relationship with him has become and it's up to us to be accountable and better that relationship. Like any other one, the relationship between us and God takes WORK and unless you're willing to put something into it, you'll get nothing out of it - and ultimately, that is your own fault. We have invented the idea that God isn't present everywhere when in reality, we're not present to him. It's a two way street people!
This was an eye-opening discussion but also a sad truth, unless we seek out God, we won't find him being stagnant and selfish! So get to work, people! Spend 10 minutes a day talking to God, just you and Him. Then spend 30 minutes a day walking or doing some other sort of exercise. You'd be shocked how much better your body and soul feels when you do :)
In Father Rolheiser's book, we're reminded of the way society has downplayed faith in our lives and the way we reject God daily because it's not glamorous or popular or portrayed in a positive light by the media. Yet somehow, we still want this relationship with God and have expectations that He should take care of us and do things for us. How selfish!! Who wants to be in a relationship that is "give give give" and getting nothing in return? Rolheiser points out that is kind of what our relationship with him has become and it's up to us to be accountable and better that relationship. Like any other one, the relationship between us and God takes WORK and unless you're willing to put something into it, you'll get nothing out of it - and ultimately, that is your own fault. We have invented the idea that God isn't present everywhere when in reality, we're not present to him. It's a two way street people!
This was an eye-opening discussion but also a sad truth, unless we seek out God, we won't find him being stagnant and selfish! So get to work, people! Spend 10 minutes a day talking to God, just you and Him. Then spend 30 minutes a day walking or doing some other sort of exercise. You'd be shocked how much better your body and soul feels when you do :)
The popes really know what they're talking about...
To introduce the idea of ART being present and vital to our religion, we read both the Address of His Holiness Benedict XVI and the Letter of His Holiness Pope John Paul II to Artists in class to kick off the semester in Vocation and the Arts. What inspiring words these two great men had to offer, not only to individuals who make art their profession, but all of us who are called to make our lives masterpieces.
"You are custodians in the beauty of this world"
Pope Benedict XVI stated this as both an honor and a challenge, in my opinion. After talking about beauty and how important it is to seek and find true beauty because it connects us to the Creator of all beauty, what a gift it is to know that we have a hand in creating and sharing beauty with the world! Wow! And in doing so, we can grow in our faith and have the opportunity to share that faith with others. It's overwhelming, it's a challenge to tackle head-on, and it's exciting to know the impact we can have as Christians and as artists on the world.
As Pope John Paul II put it - "Art calls us to our highest being, to be beautiful, to share truth, and to live up to our uniqueness" How encouraging it is to know that God wants us to be unique because that is how He created us, for a specific purpose and many vocations that we transition in and out of and are somehow intricately woven together. It is a big responsibility to live up to our full potential and reflect God and His TRUTH and BEAUTY and GOODNESS in our everyday lives, but I feel like this class has the opportunity to give us the tools to learn how to do that and do so unafraid!
"You are custodians in the beauty of this world"
Pope Benedict XVI stated this as both an honor and a challenge, in my opinion. After talking about beauty and how important it is to seek and find true beauty because it connects us to the Creator of all beauty, what a gift it is to know that we have a hand in creating and sharing beauty with the world! Wow! And in doing so, we can grow in our faith and have the opportunity to share that faith with others. It's overwhelming, it's a challenge to tackle head-on, and it's exciting to know the impact we can have as Christians and as artists on the world.
As Pope John Paul II put it - "Art calls us to our highest being, to be beautiful, to share truth, and to live up to our uniqueness" How encouraging it is to know that God wants us to be unique because that is how He created us, for a specific purpose and many vocations that we transition in and out of and are somehow intricately woven together. It is a big responsibility to live up to our full potential and reflect God and His TRUTH and BEAUTY and GOODNESS in our everyday lives, but I feel like this class has the opportunity to give us the tools to learn how to do that and do so unafraid!
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