Missionary Objective #7: |
Using words in the manner God sees us embodies the entire Mission of Saint Thorlak, which we have put into action through example and now extend that example to our words. Here are some suggestions of how this might look. -Whenever we speak or write, assume the best of the people around us, even if we have experienced their worst. [Caritas] -Choose phrasing with the same purity and clarity we would use when speaking or writing to a child. This does not mean to talk down. It means to exercise the patience and care with each person that expresses the importance of their welfare to us. [Caritas] -If our phrasing would sound like verbal abuse to a child, it would sound like verbal abuse to anyone, and would be considered a violation of that person’s dignity. [Caritas] -Speak or write from the heart, earnestly, acknowledging our limits when necessary, without fear. [Voluntary Humility] -Be generous in showing the other person our need to engage them in our interests. [Voluntary Humility] -Be known. Keep anonymity in check. We cannot be authentic if we are anonymous. God calls us each by name; use it. [Voluntary Humility] -Speak and write with emotion. Even business letters can convey what we feel, and will draw our common humanity out of our recipients. [Contemplative Sense of Wonder] -Ask questions. Take extra time to understand. Be upfront about the benefits of considering things thoughtfully. [Contemplative Sense of Wonder] -Demonstrate trust first. If people prove untrustworthy, adjust accordingly; but start off with the benefit of trust, and believe that people will rise to our expectations. [Leading by Example] |
There are two more elements to be discussed in greater detail, which we will cover over the next few weeks. One is employing our voice – a very powerful and overlooked source of human connection, yet a difficult challenge both in the electronic age and among people with verbal challenges. The other is a caution against imposing rescue. The Mission of Saint Thorlak is rooted in merciful love, which is (to the surprise of many) the exact opposite of a rescue mission.
For now: Let us concentrate on our words, paying closer attention to how we use them, and considering how we can begin bringing them closer to becoming Missionary words in nature.
For now: Let us concentrate on our words, paying closer attention to how we use them, and considering how we can begin bringing them closer to becoming Missionary words in nature.
Pray: Heavenly Father, we ask for Your Light to shine upon the words in our hearts and minds. Help us imagine speaking these words in the presence of young children… or, how we might hear them as a child… and realizing their effects before they ever leave our lips.
Contemplate: This week, ponder this verse from the Book of Proverbs: “Words satisfy the soul as food satisfies the stomach; the right words on a person’s lips bring satisfaction.” [Proverbs 18:20]
Relate: Keep a particular focus on our words this week, and notice which conversations demonstrate principles from the Way of Saint Thorlak (caritas, voluntary humility, contemplative sense of wonder, leading by example). Does it affect the dynamics of our connections?
Contemplate: This week, ponder this verse from the Book of Proverbs: “Words satisfy the soul as food satisfies the stomach; the right words on a person’s lips bring satisfaction.” [Proverbs 18:20]
Relate: Keep a particular focus on our words this week, and notice which conversations demonstrate principles from the Way of Saint Thorlak (caritas, voluntary humility, contemplative sense of wonder, leading by example). Does it affect the dynamics of our connections?
THE SUMMER FEAST DAY NOVENA
IN HONOR OF SAINT THORLAK
STARTS THIS WEEK
12 JULY - 20 JULY
Pray the Novena with us here!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply.
Archive
February 2019
January 2019
December 2018
November 2018
October 2018
September 2018
July 2018
June 2018
May 2018
April 2018
March 2018
February 2018
January 2018
December 2017
November 2017
October 2017
September 2017
August 2017
July 2017
June 2017
May 2017
April 2017
March 2017
February 2017