ekstasis and ekklesia

Added on by Matthew Sutton.

ekstasis (ecstacy) and ekklesia (church) are so close - the "called out of stasis" and the "called out to assemble" are so close. This insight means to me that the mystics and the church are conjoined - the mystics and the church are joined together by being "called out." To be in the church is to be a mystic and to be a mystic is to be in the church.

real love is staring into the eyes of the Lord

Added on by Matthew Sutton.

He is always enough.

In him is our Yes.

The word of the Lord will not go unfulfilled. He has promised yes and so it will be. The kingdom will be made here. In this time now just because he wants to do it.

We live in him, in his loving eyes.

go to church better

Added on by Matthew Sutton.
  1. Go to Church.
  2. Read the Scripture before the Mass. The readings are here.
  3. Pray for the priest, sermon, and listening to it prayerfully.
  4. Invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you and all those present through the service.
  5. Arrive a few minutes early - please get there early, not just for a good pew place, but for a moment to collect, quiet, and pray for yourself before you pray with everyone else.
  6. Turn off the phone. Do not text, email, surf, or anything with your phone. Only exception: pray apps like Magnificat or Divine Office
  7. Take notes from the homily and mass, if not during than after the service. A note card and pen are your welcome companions for worship time. You will hear words, write down those words.
  8. After the service, discuss with family and friends your takeaway.
  9. If possible, listen to a homily via podcast on the day's readings. Recommendation: Word on Fire Ministry.
  10. Do not compare your priest to your favorite famous priest.
  11. Do not come to church as a critic seeking fault with the litrugy, homily, priest, or congregation. Grace is everywhere, don't close the door.
  12. Respond generously with whatever the Holy Spirit asks of you. Because the Holy Spirit will always move upon you.

Bonus: Pray a Hail Mary and the end of the Mass to accept the Word of God with an unconditional Yes.

unreasonable

Added on by Matthew Sutton.

“The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man.” - George Bernard Shaw