"Lights will guide you home"

In our Sunday liturgies we have been reciting the eighth chapter of St. Paul's Letter to the Romans. While the entire letter is suitable for the practice of lectio divina, this chapter in particular contains much of that which God seeks to constantly remind us about, especially in and through the liturgy.

It was ruminating on passages from this chapter today. These thoughts prompted me to respond to something I read several days ago, written by somebody who wrote about feeling lost in her mind and so wasted a lovely sunny day in her room, blinds closed listening to ColdPlay's Fix You.

I see the Holy Spirit working in that situation, making her whole, healing her brokenness, satsifying that deep longing for what is good, true, and beautiful, for that which is eternal. The Holy Spirit's chosen instrument in that situation was Coldplay's Fix You. The song was her prayer, the Holy Spirit's intercession on her behalf, His translation of her groaning into prayer. A little painful, but hey, no pain no gain, our precious Lord teaches this to us Himself.

With Paul, "I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us" ( Rom 8:18). Indeed, "In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because it intercedes for the holy ones according to God's will. We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose" (Rom 8:26-28). By whatever path, we are called according to our Father's purpose.

Here is an early traditio:

"When you try your best but you don't succeed
When you get what you want but not what you need
When you feel so tired but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse

Speaking of that which is beautiful, thus revealing God, Sharon, who is such a gifted photographer, writer, and commentator, has posted, at the request of the Ironic Catholic (another smart and very gifted peron) some pics of our beloved St. Mary's University in Winona, Minnesota. I would also like to direct you, dear reader, to the homily given in our lovely Madeleine, whose feast day I anticipate with eagerness this coming Tuesday, by His Excellency, Bishop Alexander Sample of the Diocese of Marquette, Michigan, who visits us each July and with whom I have the privilege of serving at the altar.

(Appropriately, this is the 800th post on Καθολικός διάκονος)