So far...

I am really enjoying the stillness and reflection of our "vespers" time with our community still and quiet is not something I'm good at unless I'm reading a book. I enjoy the rhythm of the Psalms and the singing of the Magnificat. I would love to see what we do grow into the wider community, but sometimes I wonder what our neighbors think when they see through our open curtains and see us standing holding hands singing the 'Our Father'. Unfortunately I feel like I would have to justify what we are doing on a Wednesday night now to some people... They wouldn't understand it and respect and value it for what it is.
I'm looking forward to growing through this experience!

Co-Co

Reflection from Wednesday Night

You desire to hear something new,
but I have no news
except that love should renew you.
This commandment is the news I give you
yet nothing is more new

Gilbert of Hoyland
A Sermon on Love

Doing the Business

Just a straight ahead prayer last night - no mucking around!
It is good to be together, to pray and laugh, and to sit in silence as a community.
God is as present in the day to day getting on with things as much, if not more, than in awesome moments or life changing experiences.
If you read this, and you are a pray-er, take a moment and pray for us.
Peace
Chris

Our community

Last Wednesday was the biggest we've had for some time. We did miss Chris and Pete but were really glad to see Jason, Rachel and Lauren. Of course I was back too. The evening started with a quick reminder that no matter what we are going to keep praying on Wednesdays (someone had suggested we skip it).

Chris had asked me to lead so I figured he might have already arranged a reflection or reading but as it happened I winged it. After my stint overseas I felt it was appropriate to talk about how we as a community were still a community even when we're apart. Just because we're not present with each other we are still able to be together in prayer. We pray in inclusive, group language. The Lord's prayer for a start is not, "My Father ... give me ..." but rather, "Our Father ... give us ..." Communal language. No matter where I was in Europe I was able to pray with my brothers and sisters; whether at Mass or on my own; walking on the tracks of Amalfi or sitting in my room in Raynes Park. As a community we share a bond in God and he links us, not only with each other, but with his wider community as well.

I'm looking forward to sharing next Wednesday (tomorrow) with all my little community in the flesh, but even if they're not there physically I know we will be together in prayer.

Peace, Pax, Shalom
Matt J

Email Contact

For information regarding the community feel free to email Chris at
chriskan@australia.edu