Our last meeting found us missing one, but we made our way through the 9th and 10th chapter. Great conversation as usual. We hope our friend is feeling better and will join us for the next meeting!
Chapter 9 spoke of chastity, celibacy and love. The many ways that we love each other. In our own little groups we cited many opportunities to love and to love chastely. We discussed the concept of celibacy and the idea that one cannot be fulfilled unless they are sexually expressive. Since our little group really can see the ability to love chastely we did not struggle with the idea, but we did really appreciate Fr. Martin's insights into the book. The ability of someone who is unencumbered by a specific committed relationship being able to love many others equally. The gift of support that friendships provide. In these discussions we are reminded that as we say no to one thing, we also say yes to another. As someone who has benefited by specifically Fr. Martin's facebook page, I can tell you, he is a much sought after person. I could not imagine that he would be able to reach so many people if he had a marriage and family. Again, God places you where you are.
Chapter 10 was expanding on the idea of friendship and love. We discussed how sometimes it is difficult to love freely and to not expect more, or at least an "in kind" reciprocation. But as Ignatius teaches, when we love freely we allow the other person to expand as they need to, we allow the friend ship and love to grow without the sense of possession. This is something that I have struggled with, but as with other things, maturity pushes it away.
"Beware of condemning any mans action. Consider your neighbors intention, which is often honest, and innocent, even though his act seems bad in outward appearance." -- St. Ignatius of Loyola
Consider the statement above, not always our first reaction but maybe something we can remind ourselves of and perhaps someday, internalize.
I look forward to meeting with everyone on Wednesday for chapters 11 and 12. Please feel free to leave a comment and I will respond!
Chapter 9 spoke of chastity, celibacy and love. The many ways that we love each other. In our own little groups we cited many opportunities to love and to love chastely. We discussed the concept of celibacy and the idea that one cannot be fulfilled unless they are sexually expressive. Since our little group really can see the ability to love chastely we did not struggle with the idea, but we did really appreciate Fr. Martin's insights into the book. The ability of someone who is unencumbered by a specific committed relationship being able to love many others equally. The gift of support that friendships provide. In these discussions we are reminded that as we say no to one thing, we also say yes to another. As someone who has benefited by specifically Fr. Martin's facebook page, I can tell you, he is a much sought after person. I could not imagine that he would be able to reach so many people if he had a marriage and family. Again, God places you where you are.
Chapter 10 was expanding on the idea of friendship and love. We discussed how sometimes it is difficult to love freely and to not expect more, or at least an "in kind" reciprocation. But as Ignatius teaches, when we love freely we allow the other person to expand as they need to, we allow the friend ship and love to grow without the sense of possession. This is something that I have struggled with, but as with other things, maturity pushes it away.
"Beware of condemning any mans action. Consider your neighbors intention, which is often honest, and innocent, even though his act seems bad in outward appearance." -- St. Ignatius of Loyola
Consider the statement above, not always our first reaction but maybe something we can remind ourselves of and perhaps someday, internalize.
I look forward to meeting with everyone on Wednesday for chapters 11 and 12. Please feel free to leave a comment and I will respond!
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