Works of Mercy

[Augustine]

I’ve tried taking part in a handful of ministries at the parish, but was a bit disappointed at the spiritual superficiality and sometimes dissent. These ministries were in the most part what people commonly refer to as social ministries.

They probably fall under the Corporal Works of Mercy and there are certainly other ministries which could fall under the Spiritual Works of Mercy, such as RCIA, CCD, bible study, etc. Yet, I seldom found “solid food” in them.

As a matter of fact, I have the impression that the Church perhaps emphasize the Corporal Works almost exclusively in its diocesan offices, and I’m afraid that this might have led to the eclipse of the Spiritual Works, causing a lack of interest in living the Faith, such as prayer, devotion, adoration, etc. Of course, the hungry need to eat, but not only of bread does man live of.

Has anybody had any success in bringing about spiritual deepening in your parish and how?

 

[puzzleannie]

I am not sure what your question is. Are you asking about parish renewal, or inviting debate on whether the spiritual or corporal works of mercy are “better” and whether or not either is the exclusive province of “liberal” or “conservative” Catholics. There certainly seems to be a feeling abroad that involvement in any type of apostolate that addresses physical ills or social justice stampts that person as a “liberal” and that attention to social justice somehow is at odds with spirituality-based apostolates.

In this diocese there is a bitter division between pro-life activists and those involved in an interfaith social justice lobbying organization, both of which receive financial and moral support from the diocese. There is what seems to be an implacable assumption that it is impossible to espouse and work for both initiatives. This division is a sad misreading of Church teaching on social justice.

 

[drforjc]

Casting aside the part about liberals and conservatives, yes, I do see a tendency nowadays to neglect mention of the spiritual works of mercy especially in catechetical circles. We hear lots about the corporal works but very little about the spiritual works.

 

[Joysong]

Hello, Augustine,

Good to see you again!

You have been blessed with a profound spiritual awakening that others have not experienced yet. Think for a moment about your lessened enthusiasm for things of the Spirit prior to your deep conversion of late. Then contrast it with where you are now. It may help you to understand that’s where some people are for the time being.

Jesus spoke to the multitudes very often and planted spiritual seeds in their hearts, yet we never know when they will blossom and take deeper root. However, to His chosen disciples, He would teach them in depth, privately, and expound upon His message (see the parable of the sower in Mark 4:10).

In my parish, we began a bible study in lent a couple years ago, and I’m sad to say that only eight came. Be of good heart, for Jesus only had twelve! We are called to be living letters of Christ to bring forth good news, but our efforts will seem so small as to be like a mustard seed, especially when our hearts are burning with holy zeal.

Those who begin in the Spirit, though, will accomplish far more in ministering the corporal works of mercy with the Lord’s power than those who perform them in their own strength. Look at Mother Teresa as an example!

Carole

 

[DBT]

Joysong:

Those who begin in the Spirit, though, will accomplish far more in ministering the corporal works of mercy with the Lord’s power than those who perform them in their own strength. Look at Mother Teresa as an example!

Very good points as usual!

Augustine, to expand upon what Carole is saying, something that has always helped me with what you’re asking is re-reading what St. Teresa of Avila says about Martha and Mary working in harmony. That’s my favorite motiff for understanding how prayer and works are interrelated. It’s not one or the other . . . but both. And prayer is the engine that drives it all.

I love what she says about prayer creating a much deeper zeal for the Lord that overflows with strong desires to do everything and anything for Him (works). In an effort to harnass that zeal, though, she advises we resist the urge to “change the world” but start small in building the kingdom among those closest to you. And I know you’re doing that

This might not directly answer your question about what to do in the short term in your parish, but no doubt the Lord will reveal an apostolate for you in His time.

Dave.

 

[Joysong]

This morning I had a sense to share something from St. Teresa, but I had to look for it, so I delayed posting. I thought it would apply in another thread, since her words pertained to distributing fruit.

But I now see that it belongs here, not directed to Augustine, but for someone who may read this thead and to whom I thought the Lord wanted to speak. Chapter XIX of her Life:

This is the deception by which the devil wins his prey. When a soul finds itself very near to God and sees what a difference there is between the good things of Heaven and those of earth, and what love the Lord is showing it, there is born of this love a confidence and security that there will be no falling away from what it is now enjoying. It seems to have a clear vision of the reward and believes that it cannot now possibly leave something which even in this life is so sweet and delectable for anything as base and soiled as earthly pleasure.

Because it has this confidence, the devil is able to deprive it of the misgivings which it ought to have about itself; and, as I say, it runs into many dangers, and in its zeal begins to give away its fruit without stint, thinking that it has now nothing to fear.

This condition is not a concomitant of pride, for the soul clearly understands that of itself it can do nothing; it is the result of its extreme confidence in God, which knows no discretion. The soul does not realize that it is like a bird still unfledged. It is able to come out of the nest, and God is taking it out, but it is not yet ready to fly, for its virtues are not yet strong and it has no experience which will warn it of dangers, nor is it aware of the harm done by self-confidence.

It was this that ruined me

Anyone who read her life would remember that after her initial conversion, she became zealous to share the things of God with others. Witness the visits to the parlour - her downfall!

As Dave said so well, when we are well disposed to follow God both as Martha and Mary, our works will be truly *fruit-*ful and feed others a scrumptious banquet!

Carole

 

[Joysong]

Carole:

But I now see that it belongs here, not directed to Augustine, but for someone who may read this thead and to whom I thought the Lord wanted to speak.

:bigyikes: Oh-Oh! Lightbulb moment! The person to whom the Lord wanted to speak was ME! In the same way that St. Teresa’s call to a contemplative life was diminished by too many visits to the parlor, even though her conversations centered on God, my visits to the parlor of Catholic Answers have been more frequent than God desired for me. I’m not sure yet what it all means, but I see that I need to pray about it.

Carole

 

[Augustine]

*I am not sure what your question is. Are you asking about parish renewal, * Basically whether you’ve found a lack of emphasis of Spiritual Works of Mercy and if you did something successfully to change that.
*or inviting debate on whether the spiritual or corporal works of mercy are “better”

• Neither, although the Spiritual ones have preeminence, as they inform the Corporal ones.
  *and whether or not either is the exclusive province of “liberal” or “conservative” Catholics. *
  I’ve seen dissent coming from liberals and from conservatives, that’s not the point I’m trying to make.

I mentioned dissent, but perhaps I should have said ignorance or apathy on Church teachings.
*There is what seems to be an implacable assumption that it is impossible to espouse and work for both initiatives. This division is a sad misreading of Church teaching on social justice.

• I’m afraid that that’s because it’s very easy for social apostolates to become arms of clericalism, i.e., from the outside, mere political lobbying.

 

[Augustine]

Carole,

Joysong:

In my parish, we began a bible study in lent a couple years ago, and I’m sad to say that only eight came.

I wonder if it’s a certain rap that such groups have. I myself have seen very little exegesis and unfolding of the Scriptures, in the way that so many saints commentated. Oftentimes, it was about “feelings” and gut reaction to what was read.

Honestly, even books at high school are studied more deeply than that…

Joysong:

Be of good heart, for Jesus only had twelve! We are called to be living letters of Christ to bring forth good news, but our efforts will seem so small as to be like a mustard seed, especially when our hearts are burning with holy zeal.

So true. No one is better suited to help us than Our Lord Himself. Let us trust Him with our questions.

Joysong:

Those who begin in the Spirit, though, will accomplish far more in ministering the corporal works of mercy with the Lord’s power than those who perform them in their own strength. Look at Mother Teresa as an example!

Indeed, the spiritual routine of her nuns is filled with prayer, which very few realize and is often overlooked when her work is brought up.

 

[Augustine]

Dave,

DBT:

… what St. Teresa of Avila says about Martha and Mary working in harmony. That’s my favorite motiff for understanding how prayer and works are interrelated. It’s not one or the other . . . but both. And prayer is the engine that drives it all.

I.e., the Lord Himself. That’s an interesting way to illustrate it, Mary and Martha. I like it.

DBT:

I love what she says about prayer creating a much deeper zeal for the Lord that overflows with strong desires to do everything and anything for Him (works). In an effort to harnass that zeal, though, she advises we resist the urge to “change the world” but start small in building the kingdom among those closest to you. And I know you’re doing that

Or worse than changing the world, changing the Church! I’ve sen many getting hyped up about almost scandalous actions by bishops (and some are indeed almost scandalous), but no one other than Our Lord Himself has promised to protect her. But, of course, keeping the faith before almost scandal is a challenge. Or paraphrasing Bl. Teresa of Calcutta, Jesus sometimes cleverly disguises Himself as a wicked bishop.

DBT:

This might not directly answer your question about what to do in the short term in your parish, but no doubt the Lord will reveal an apostolate for you in His time.

Amen.

 

[Augustine]

Carole,

Joysong:

But I now see that it belongs here, not directed to Augustine, but for someone who may read this thead and to whom I thought the Lord wanted to speak. Chapter XIX of her Life:

Actually, it was meditating on this chapter last week that prompted me to post these mumblings.

I have to say that I’m not sure that what I seek can be found in a parish environment. Perhaps this thirst is better quenched in a 3rd order or in a congregation, I don’t know. Do you?

 

[Augustine]

Augustine:

Has anybody had any success in bringing about spiritual deepening in your parish and how?

Let me be more specific, in the hope that others can offer some help.

My parish has been designed to host permanent Eucharistic adoration, yet it doesn’t. Although my bishop encourages adoration through Lent and Advent at least weekly, less than a dozen show up (out of over 2000 families).

How I’d love that it had permanent adoration! From your experience, is it an uphill battle? Are certain signs of spiritual maturity necessary to be present before undertaking such a lofty task?

TIA

 

[DBT]

Augustine:

I have to say that I’m not sure that what I seek can be found in a parish environment. Perhaps this thirst is better quenched in a 3rd order or in a congregation, I don’t know. Do you?

Just a side note on third orders. It appears you have a pretty active/dynamic OCDS community in your backyard (your from Austin right?)

I recently had the opportunity to listen to Elizabeth Korves from the Austin OCDS community speak when the National Congress of Secular Carmelites was held in St. Louis a couple of months ago. She gave a very wonderful talk on “Carmelite spirituality in the workplace.” One of the important sub-themes of her talk dealt with finding proper balance between personal spirituality and parish ministries. Perhaps timely to your thread.

Maybe you could get in contact with the community . . . maybe even Elizabeth herself. Whether or not you feel called to Carmel, I’m sure they’d be very happy to talk with you. No doubt they could answer some of your questions as they relate to your quote above. Also, I’m sure they’d have some good insights on ministry opportunities in your area.

Just a thought . . .

Dave.

 

[the_phoenix]

Augustine:

I have to say that I’m not sure that what I seek can be found in a parish environment.

Dear Augustine,

Thank you. I’ve just joined a new parish last week, and have already started feeling the same old frustration, similar to what you experience. There are two ministries I’m still considering joining; however I’d really best exercise caution before taking the plunge and officially committing … better at this point to express interest, ask plenty of questions, and observe.

Intriguingly, there’s a ministry OUTSIDE THE PARISH that the Lord, St. Michael, and my guardian angel REALLY seem to be drawing me towards participating in on an ever-deeper level. It’s called the Soldiers Angel program, where you adopt a US soldier and ideally send him or her one letter a week plus one care package a month.

A Communion prayer I made last week about my inclusion into parish life seemed to have been met with a “no” … but as for the Soldiers Angel program, even the smallest efforts there meet with encouraging joy along the way, even when it comes to cheerful courteous help from a stranger who had no idea beforehand that I was shopping for soldiers.

On the one hand, this Soldiers Angel program seems like simple corporal works of mercy social justice. But together with that, it seems I’m being called to further prayer and spiritual support, such as offering prayers for soldiers in general, mine in particular, praying the Rosary for world peace as requested by Our Lady of Fatima, and going to Communion by proxy for St. Michael the Archangel so that he can apply the graces I would have received in Communion towards the war against terrorism.

“For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” – Ephesians 6:12

~~ the phoenix

 

[Augustine]

Dave,
*Just a side note on third orders. It appears you have a pretty active/dynamic OCDS community in your backyard (your from Austin right?)

• Yes, I’m well aware of the local community and the one close by in Georgetown. But it’s good to know about their virtues.
  I recently had the opportunity to listen to Elizabeth Korves from the Austin OCDS community speak when the National Congress of Secular Carmelites was held in St. Louis a couple of months ago. She gave a very wonderful talk on “Carmelite spirituality in the workplace.” One of the important sub-themes of her talk dealt with finding proper balance between personal spirituality and parish ministries. Perhaps timely to your thread.
  I’ll try reaching her again and asking specifically about this paper. Though her web site hasn’t been updated lately.
  Maybe you could get in contact with the community . . . maybe even Elizabeth herself. Whether or not you feel called to Carmel, I’m sure they’d be very happy to talk with you. No doubt they could answer some of your questions as they relate to your quote above. Also, I’m sure they’d have some good insights on ministry opportunities in your area.
  This is a very good idea, thank you.

 

[Augustine]

the phoenix:

I’ve just joined a new parish last week, and have already started feeling the same old frustration, similar to what you experience. There are two ministries I’m still considering joining; however I’d really best exercise caution before taking the plunge and officially committing … better at this point to express interest, ask plenty of questions, and observe.

I hope you find one that enriches you as you share your richness with others.
the phoenix:

Intriguingly, there’s a ministry OUTSIDE THE PARISH that the Lord, St. Michael, and my guardian angel REALLY seem to be drawing me towards participating in on an ever-deeper level. It’s called the Soldiers Angel program, where you adopt a US soldier and ideally send him or her one letter a week plus one care package a month.

This is a beautiful ministry and your suggestion to look outside the parish is a very good one.

Now, I have to say that I do volunteer at a ministry of two: a colleague and I keep the parish computers and web site running. It’s something I gladly do and that I know how important it is to the parish. It’s not a spiritual ministry, but one that I embrace as a sacrifice of my time.

 

[DBT]

Augustine:

I’ll try reaching her again and asking specifically about this paper. Though her web site hasn’t been updated lately.

Here’s a link to the National Congress website . . . they offer tapes for each of the major speakers . . . including Elizabeth’s talk. I don’t know if you’d be interested in any of this, but here it is anyway Click on the Tapes link on this page:

www.stl-ocds.org/

It looks like they’re selling all of this as a package . . . I’m not sure if tapes can be purchased seperately. We have our monthly Carmelite meeting tomorrow. I’ll see if I can out . . .

Dave.

 

[the_phoenix]

Dear Augustine,

You may never know how spiritually important running your parish website is. In my case, since I love travelling, I’ve definitely visited parish websites in different parts of the country to check on their Mass schedules, and am extremely grateful when such websites are kept up to date. Besides just the Mass schedules, I read as much information on the parish website as possible, so that while on vacation I can do my best to attend a parish which will be most in line with the Pope, and looks to have a vigorous prayer life. So keep up the good work!

~~ the phoenix

 

[Augustine]

Ms. Korves has kindly updated her website and has added her presentation at geocities.com/korvesem/carmel/CarmelandWork.htm.

 

[DBT]

Thanks Augustine for posting that . . . it brought back a lot of memories!

The part about balancing personal spirituality and parish ministry came in the question and answer part after her talk. Guess she didn’t transcribe that part.

I loved how she interwove Brother Lawrence and St. Benedicta (Edith Stein) in her talk . . .

Thanks!
Dave