The Community of John XXIII gathered for a Conference call on Sunday October 5th, 2008 in the Presence of: Linda Pinto, our Moderator Mary and Dick Scaine, or Facilitators, joining us were: Fred and Terry Quinn, Theresa Padovano, John Warner and George Le Blanc. We also welcomed a new member Vicki Di Benedetto into our midst. We missed the presence of Bob Charpentier, Elaine and Francis McGillicuddy and Allen Moore. We continued our ongoing conversation.



Linda Pinto lead us in the following prayer:



Canticle of Creation



In the beginning, my God, You alone existed: eternally one yet pregnant in the fullness of

unity.

Full to overflowing, You, Giver of All Life, exploded outward in a billion bits and pieces.

Your Words became flesh, whirling in shining starts, shimmering suns and in genesis

glimmering galaxies.

You, my God, spoke, and Your words became flesh: in sun and moon, earth and seas,

mountains and gentle hills, rolling rivers and silent streams.

You, my God, spoke, and Your Words became flesh: in sun and moon, earth and seas,

mountains and gentle hills, rolling rivers and silent streams.

You, my God spoke, and Your Words became flesh: in winged birds, in deer and

elephant, in grazing cow, racing horse and fish of the deep.

Your Words, so unique and so varied, filled the earth also with rabbit, squirrel and ant.

And all Your Words were beautiful, and all were good.



From each of these holy Words arose a prayer of praise and adoration to You, their

Creator and wondrous womb.

“Praise You,” rang out the redwood, “Blessed be You,” chimed in the cedar, “Holy

are You,” prayed the prairie grasses.

From all four corners of this earth, rose up a chorus of perpetual adoration.



O Sacred Spirit, O Divine Breath of Life, unseal my ears that they may ever listen

to Your continuous canticle of creation; open my heart and my whole self,

to sing in harmony with all its many voices.

Teach me to commune with Your first Word made flesh, Your Creation, that

I may be able to unravel the wondrous words of Your second Word made flesh,

Jesus, through whom, and in whom, I may see myself as another Word of Yours made flesh, to your glory and honor.



Mary and Dick Scaine had emailed the following six areas offered for consideration in our subsequent conference calls: Our focus was on:



#3. Prayer: What do we do when we pray? Do we address or express God? Do we change God? Here are all of them for your consideration:







A new paradigm (lens, outlook, worldview) is demanded when the old paradigm can longer handle the questions posed in a new situation.



The New Cosmology suggests that we let go of old perceptions from our childhood religious training.

What perceptions of previous (earlier) training are we not only willing to admit as childish but willing to leave behind? Here are six areas offered for consideration in our subsequent conference calls:



1. Personal spirituality: Is it individual and private, or communitarian and cooperative; aimed toward building merit for heaven or challenging injustices on earth?



2. View of God: Up there (judgmental, overseer, interventionist, elsewhere, remote) or an all-embracing active, evolutional life-force?



3. Prayer: What do we do when we pray? Do we address or express God? Do we change God?



4. Holy Communion: What do we receive when we “go to Communion”? Do we “receive God” in the way of a personal Savior or is it a “yes” to co-creative participation in the Spirit of “new possibilities” in the here and now?



5. Jesus: Is he my personal Savior through whom I am saved in the Fall/Redemption model or is he the invitation to abundant life and a new consciousness as in the evolutional model.



6. Heaven: Do we primarily think of the Kingdom of heaven as “up or out there” (afterlife) or primarily as a Kingdom of peace and justice in the here and now?



Richard & Mary Scaine 9/8/08



We had the following responses:



From Fred and Terry



As George said---where we are in life may determine how we pray. Prayer has many dimensions, perhaps dependent on what has immediately happened in our lives, or part of remembrances. Theresa said for her prayer involved listening---any way it comes to her. We both also liked the definition as active thought. We'd like to end with a section in a recent "Mirabile Dictu" which seems to summarize our thoughts, remaining open to the wisdom of the spirit.-------



LISTEN

My heart is open to the wisdom of Spirit.



When something in life shows up as a dilemma, I first seek an answer in prayer. The answer to what I am to do may come immediately. Or it may come at a time and in a manner that I least expect.



My prayer time prepares me to listen and learn--however, the answer may come. I listen with my heart--remaining open to unlimited possibilities.



I may then receive spiritual insight by hearing what friends and family have to say. Or someone may ask for advice from me, and I will have the chance to be of help to them. By my very act of listening, I am providing this person an opportunity to sort through questions and discover the answer. My heart is open to the wisdom of Spirit. As I listen with my heart, I am blessed and I bless others.



Hello, Mary and Dick,



What a rich discussion on prayer yesterday. Some ideas that resonate with me are the connection with Divine Energy and also with the pulsing of the Universe. The conversation also heightened my sense of interconnectedness.

Blessings and prayers,

Barbara



Dear Mary,



Thank you for calling me prior to the community call. It bespeaks your thoughtful, caring self!



Thoughts on the call:



So many kinds of prayer, so many possibilities to move ourselves and others in harmony with the flow of the Divine Source.

I liked John's attaching the names of loved ones to his breathing and connecting with the Pulsating Universe.

I loved Mary's creative response to the silent period and the energy she felt.

Seems like we do change God, maybe not always as the direct result of a petition, but surely as we are all God Expressing and Evolving.

I am grateful for all the earnest thoughts shared today, especially the inclusive character of the community, and I hope to remember you in prayer, at 2PM

CST, by rescheduling my senior moments.



And the prayer of St. Michael:



Lord Michael, Lord Michael, I call unto thee,

Wield thy sword of blue flame and now cut me free.

Blaze, God power, protection, now into my world

Thy Banner of Faith, above me unfurled

Transcendent blue lightning, now flash through my soul

I AM by God's mercy made radiant and whole.



Vicki Di Benedetto



Hi, Mary and Dick



Just a quick note on the call today.



I said that I try to put myself in a posture of listening to God. I don't try to change God, but perhaps have God change me. "Be still and know that I am God." very often is something I use to focus by heart.



Thanks for all you do to keep us all in touch.



Peace,



Theresa Padovano



We completed the conference call and scheduled the next one for the 2nd

Sunday in November due to the Call to Action Conference. We will continue our discussion on November 9th at 2:30 p.m. 

























  

        The Community of John XXIII gathered for a Conference call on Sunday, September 8, 2008 in the Presence of: Bob Charpentier, Elaine and Francis McGillicuddy Fred and Terry Quinn, Linda Pinto, Theresa Padovano, Mary and Dick Scaine, Allen Moore, Barbara Ryland, and John Warner. We gathered by phone to continue our ongoing conversation.

We were brought into the spirit of community by Elaine McGillicuddy's literal English translation of the French translation in La Bible de Jerusalem of Psalm 139



Psalm 139 Psaume 139



Adonai, you probe me and know me. Yahve tu me sondes et me connais;

Whether I rise or sit, you know it. que je me leve ou m'assoie, tu le sais,

You penetrate my thoughts from afar tu perces de loin mes penses;

Whether I walk or lie down, you sense it. que je marche ou me couche, tu le

sens,

My paths are all familiar to you. mes chemins te sont tous familiers.



The word is not even yet on my tongue, La parole n'est pas encore sur ma

langue,

and look, you know it in its entirety! et voici, Yahve, tu la sais toute

entiere;

Behind and before me, you encompass me derriere et devant tu m'enserres,

You have put your hand on me. tu as mis sur moi ta main.

Marvel of learning which surpasses me! Merveille de science qui me depasse,

Height which I cannot reach! hauteur ou je ne puis atteindre.



Where could I go far from your spirit? Ou irai-je loin de ton esprit?

Where could I flee far from your face? ou fuirai-je loin de ta face?

If I climb the heavens, you are there! Si j'escalade les cieux, tu es la,

Of if I lie in Sheol, -- there you are! qu'au sheol je me couche, te voici.



I take the wings of sunrise Je prends les ailes de l'aurore,

I take lodging at the farthest end of the sea je me loge au plus loin de la mer,

Even there your hand guides me meme la, ta main me conduit,

your right hand seizes me ta droite me saisit.



I will say, -- 'Let darkness hem me in. Je dirai: "Que me presse la

tenebre,

Let night be for me an enclosure." que la nuit soit pour moi une ceinture";

Even darkenss is not darkness before you. meme la tenebre n'est point

tenebre devant toi



It's you who moulded my inmost being, C'est toi qui m'as forme les reins,

who wove me in my mother's womb. qui m'as tise au ventre de ma mere;

I give you thanks for so many marvels, je te rends grace pour tant de

prodiges:

the wonder which I am, merveille que je suis, merveille que tes oeuvres.

the wonder of your works.



My soul, you knew it well. Mon ame, tu la connaissais bien,

My bones were not hidden from you mes os n'etaient point caches de toi,

when I was formed in secret, quand je fus faconne dans le secret,

embroidered in the profundity of the earth. brode au profond de la terre.



My embryo, your eyes saw it. Mon embryon, tes yeux le voyaient;

In your book they are all inscribed, sur ton livre, ils sont tous inscrits

-- the days which have been determined, les jours qui ont ete fixes,

and each one of them matters. et chacun d'eux y figure.



But for me, how difficult your thoughts! Mais pour moi, que tes pensees

sont difficiles,

I count them. They exceed the sand. Je les compte, il en est plus que

sable;

Should I finish, I am still with you. ai-je fini, je suis encore avec toi.



We engaged in a discussion based on the following six areas offered by Dick and Mary Scaine. We considered and discussed Areas 1. and 2. We will address Area 3. on Prayer in our next conference call in October.



A new paradigm (lens, outlook, worldview) is demanded when the old paradigm can longer handle the questions posed in a new situation.



The New Cosmology suggests that we let go of old perceptions from our childhood religious training.

What perceptions of previous (earlier) training are we not only willing to admit as childish but willing to leave behind? Here are six areas offered for consideration in our subsequent conference calls:



1. Personal spirituality: Is it individual and private, or communitarian and cooperative; aimed toward building merit for heaven or challenging injustices on earth?



2. View of God: Up there (judgmental, overseer, interventionist, elsewhere, remote) or an all-embracing active, evolutional life-force?



3. Prayer: What do we do when we pray? Do we address or express God? Do we change God?



4. Holy Communion: What do we receive when we “go to Communion”? Do we “receive God” in the way of a personal Savior or is it a “yes” to co-creative participation in the Spirit of “new possibilities” in the here and now?



5. Jesus: Is he my personal Savior through whom I am saved in the Fall/Redemption model or is he the invitation to abundant life and a new consciousness as in the evolutional model.



6. Heaven: Do we primarily think of the Kingdom of heaven as “up or out there” (afterlife) or primarily as a Kingdom of peace and justice in the here and now?



Richard & Mary Scaine 9/8/08







Elaine Response:



Your meaningful words which touched me:



Terry: "Evolve in the situation you're in...possibilities..."

Mary: "...where you find it, e.g. tenants."

Fred: "...listening...( esp. to seniors)"

Theresa: "Jesus the first community organizer...(and) create justice in the church."

Bob: "John XXIII a community of communities."

John: "God as Breathing Spirit."

Linda: "Intention...(of) presence to people you meet for whatever reason.

Enjoy and stop being concerned with heavy assignments."

Tony: "Pluralism...open ended: How will it end?"

(I'll send a Beatrice Bruteau article related to this. - Elaine)



Thank you each and every one!



Francis wrote:



The spirituality of most members seemed to be community centered, and focussed on peace and justice issues. This trend is most encouraging for me. The wealth of ideas for types of community was also revealing, -- from fellow passengers on the subway to relating to neighbors.



Linda’s Response:



I found our discussion about finding and nurturing community to be intriguing. The need for intimacy and a shared sense of spirituality is great. But, I am unable to find it in the organizational church. I try to be fully present to each individual I meet and in a sense, they become part of the greater community. I liked John's sharing of being present to God in the very breathe he takes. That will be my focus until next time.



Mary and Dick-

Thank you for the discussion questions. We seem to be getting somewhere. I tried to find the web address for Peter Hickman. I wanted to include it, but can't seem to find it. I'll be in touch. You are both in Ralph and my prayers for strength and recovery.



Love, Linda



Terry & Fred



Our personal spirituality is creative and filled with possibilities for community in various ways. Walls do not a community make. Connections make community. It may not be defined in the way we were used to defining it, but it may actually be MORE commutative because there are so many more possibilities for connection to those with whom we come in contact and even to our contemplative thoughts--- which may connect to nature or art or whatever we are involved in at a particular moment or time.





Hello Dick and Mary,



Today's conversation among the members of the community of John XXIII was a helpful conversation among people who belong to a lot a different communities. Each time we gather I am enriched by the sharing of our various experiences in communities that most of us probably take for granted. I particularly appreciate the sharing of experiences that I would otherwise know nothing about. More and more I think of my time with the Community of John XXIII as one of being part of a community of communities.



On another matter someone asked about the recent Michael Morwood article from E- Corpus,(http://webmail.aol.com/38575/aol/en-us/Mail/DisplayMessage.aspx) that very much relates to conversations we have been having.



Dick, you are in my prayers and thoughts. –Bob



Tony responded:



I am sorry to get this out late. I enjoyed very much our discussion on

"community" last Sunday. As a result, I am only more aware of the new

spiritual paradigm we are dealing with. I just received the latest Corpus Reports (thanks Linda!) and I see that the material of Dick Scaine and Matthew Fox only back this up.



As an outsider who has not been to the U.S in ten years, I am personally interested in knowing to what degree the members of Corpus are moving in the direction of Cosmic Christianity. I am not sure if this is easily answered.



Thanks for your thoughts, Tony. We really appreciate your candor and questioning. That is what is best about our community....the freedom to think, question, and expand. Dick has spent the better half of over two years writing in CORPUS REPORTS about Cosmic Christianity. His articles have been well received.

Peace. Linda



Mary and Dick-



Sorry this is a little late re our meeting and I hope Dick is doing well-



My thoughts re spirituality and community are that individual connection with the Divine is vital to participate in social justice issues-it is emphasizing both and is not an either/or proposition. The individual and connection with the Divine and community flow back and forth, in and out, like a beautiful tapestry. The Divine I consider to be tender, embracing, and the ground of all being. Without connecting to this Source through contemplative practice, social justice work can often lead to burn-out for community. I do like the consideration of our community also as a community of communities.



Barbara



We completed our discussion and made arrangements to share again our journey again on October 5, 2008 @ 2:00 p.m. 



























 

The Community of John XXIII gathered for a Conference call on Sunday, August 3, 2008 in the Presence of: Bob Charpentier, Elaine and Francis McGillicuddy Fred and Terry Quinn, Linda Pinto, Theresa Padovano, Mary and Dick Scaine, Allen Moore. We also welcomed new members Barbara Ryland, and John Warner. We gathered by phone to continue our ongoing conversation.



Mary Scaine led us in prayer with the following:



SOARING At Daybreak

By William Cleary

www.clearyworks.com/about.html



When my mind is far from concentration and my heart unfocused,

still my being speaks to you, God of life, God of promise.

There is hope for me because you are a caring creator,

and have filled our experience with caringness:

links of concern and love for those around me,

and energies of caringness from others to me.

In such a circle we can survive,

and with imagination can find joy in the mysterious dance of daily life.

Amen.



The conversation centered on the excellent presentation at the Joint Conference of “Religious Life Renewed: The Community of John XXIII." The panel consisted of Linda Pinto, our Facilitator, Mary and Dick Scaine our moderators, Robert Charpentier, former Vice-President of CORPUS, and Bishop Peter Hickman of the EEC community. Linda Pinto and Theresa Padovano spoke of the women’s ordination that took place following the conference: We spoke of the status of JohnXXIII’s standing in the Corpus community



Barbara wrote:



I was so moved my Mary Ann's actions in becoming a deacon-what vitality and courage! I am also glad to be welcoming her and supporting her as community. I read regularly the writings of Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes in NCR, who speaks eloquently of this life and justice making, specifically by women in the church despite ostracism many have endured. Also very moving is the story of Paul Harney who even as he is dying of cancer is walking the path of justice and making a difference for others. These specific instances help me look to more ways I can "enflesh" a call to our commitments.

Thank you.



Elaine’s Response:



First of all, - Congratulations to Linda, Dick and Mary and Bob, for an excellent presentation at the Joint Conference of “Religious Life Renewed: The Community of John XXIII." During our meeting today, I was inspired by Dick and Mary's insightful words about prayer, as well as Linda's story about deacon Mary Ann's prophetic witness, and her courage in facing the resistance which is the lot of the prophet. Theresa's quip on the diocese's reaction to Mary Ann was perfect, -- "We have a law." I was moved by Fred's description of his work in nursing homes, and Terry's and Barbara's alertness in bringing kindness to others. Loved Bob's characteristic creativity when he suggested we "adopt" Mary Ann! I shared how one of the times (Relatedness) the Spirit quickens in me the experience of being the Body of Christ is during communion. From my first row seat in the second section of the church, between where the bread and the wine are given, I am often held, gazing at people slowly walking toward the chalice. Dressed in all manner of attire (including African) reflecting the rich diversity of God's children, their attitudes seem to reflect mine. It's as if we're all caught up in some wordless mystery.



Francis' wrote:



Elaine and I spent last weekend at a celebration of the life and work of Jim Harney, a long time activist since he was one of "The Milwaukee 14" in 1969.

He has photographed the poor throughout Central America and even in Iraq,

(www.posibilidad.org) Jim then brings their stories back to people all over the U.S. It's a powerful prophetic witness. It led me to reflect on degrees of justice-making. Jim was called to a more radical kind than I have ever been called to. But each one has his/her own vocation, and all that matters is answering our own call. I was also touched by the witness of Mary Ann, the new deacon. She has responded to her vocation vis a vis her parish community with a profound spirituality.



Fred and Terry



Relatedness



Fred-people I meet every day—use of humor- deflecting tension-helping people feel comfortable— Storytelling-relating to The young and the old (including those with Alzheimer’s and dementia).

Terry—teaching and relating to young children- computer work for both of us—cooking for various people—gardening.



Both—visiting the sick helping and listening to neighbors, visiting those suffering from depression



Being conscious of consumerism- avoiding stores that exploit employees or sell guns- watching what we eat- using reusable bags and eco-friendly products



Contemplative—praying, sending positive energy to those we know & meet, those who ask us to pray, quiet contemplation

during the day



Justice Making



Being aware of what is going on in the world & taking a stand by letter, e-mail, signing petitions, and making phone calls.



Contributing to groups who support peace and justice and/or the poor. anti-gun violence. Support for gay rights.



Disseminating peace and Justice info on e-mail and writing original e-mails or letters to do so-- writing to the media and “keeping them honest.”



Supporting candidates who support peace and justice issues.



Mutual Collaboration



Participating in discussions about spirituality and life in general.



Participating in Inclusive Community while trying to always reach out to members.



Trying to be “bridges” for our own family and friends.



Helping others as much as is physically possible.



We also addressed our standing as members of JohnXXIII within the CORPUS community. The following is an example



Theresa Padovano wrote;



Linda, as long as we can use the 501 (C) (3) and constitutions of Corpus, I see no problem.



Linda Pinto responded:



I think it is better if I get this proposal out to you sooner rather than later. I am using my personal contact list instead of the listserve. I need to contact Joe Cece upon his return to verify that Barbara and John are included on the listserv. So, when you respond with a comment or question, please use "respond to all". I suggest that you visit the CORPUS or Community website before responding and read through the Charter and Q+A's developed by Bob several years ago. I will try to be simple and concise.



Proposal



To request the recognition from CORPUS to be considered qualified under the new category of membership called "community" member. As such, we have standing in CORPUS. Beyond that, the Board did not decide whether we are entitled to the benefits of membership, such as an issue of CORPUS REPORTS or a vote once every three years. We can continue to be in dialogue with the Board regarding this issue.



Why the request?



Since the leadership of CORPUS met with the leadership of the Ecumenical Catholic Communion in 1994, (please visit www. ecumenical-catholic-communion.org), it was agreed that the new Community of John XXIII have an ecumenical component. This was central to the person of Pope John XXIII and it makes perfect sense. Bishop Peter Hickman was thrilled with the idea of entering into formal partnership with CORPUS and the Community because it would expand and enhance the scope of the ECC. Board Members of CORPUS were thrilled because of the added ecumenical component which enriched the idea of the intentional community.



Why formal recognition as a "community" member of CORPUS?

In order for any ecumenical church to enter into formal relationship with any group, they require two things: a formal (IRS) non-profit status (501 (c) (3)) and a constitution. In early discussions with members of the Community, there was a strong consensus that we did not want to incorporate or be considered "apart" from CORPUS. As Bob phrased it...we are the spiritual arm of CORPUS. In order to satisfy this juridical requirement of the ECC or any other entity, we needed to adopt a non-profit status and a constitution.



At our meeting in Boston, the Board proposed an additional recognition of membership called "community" membership. The Community of John XXIII could request recognition as a community member and thus, be authorized to use the 501 (c) (3) status and Constitution of CORPUS to satisfy the juridical requirement of the ECC.



What are the advantages?



The Community will be formally recognized by the Ecumenical Catholic Communion as a Religious Order or a Specialized Ministry. These are ECC constitutional categories and I am still in conversation with George Van Stamwitz, Chancellor of the ECC as to which category we fall into. Regardless, we will be included as an intentional part of the communion; be invited to their retreats and Synods; be involved with their decision making and constant effort to evolve and reform in the Spirit. We will enter into dialogue and interact with divergent views and theologies and grow, grow, grow.



What are the disadvantages?

I can see none. The Community of John XXIII prides itself on expanding and exploring. It is the freedom of the Spirit that we celebrate.









________________________________________

The Community of John XXIII gathered for a Conference call on Sunday, June 29, 2008 in the Presence of: Bob Charpentier, Elaine and Francis McGillicuddy Fred and Terry Quinn, Linda Pinto, Tony Marotta (on Skype computer connection from Italy) Mary and Dick Scaine, and  Allen and Sylvia Moore. We also welcomed Barbara Ryland, our new member from Vermont. We gathered by phone to continue our ongoing conversation.

Linda Pinto gathered and embraced us all in the Spirit with:

Tony Marotta will lead us in prayer. We will then round-robin introductions, especially given our newest member, Barbara. Mary and Dick will share their retreat experience with Diarmuid O'Murchu. We will then consider the following (presented by Mary and Dick): The erotic, creative energy of the divine manifests itself first and foremost in cosmic and planetary creation.

Our cooperation with that flow is called co-creation. It follows, then, that any basic spiritual estrangement is not so much with God, but rather with God's creation. If this is where the alienation is felt most painfully, then this is where the rehabilitation should begin. Spiritually, intellectually, politically and economically, we need to develop whole new ways of relating to creation. In what ways are we implementing our commitments in this regard?

Justice-making? Mutual collaboration? Blessings. Linda

And so we embraced and reflected with each other…..

 Tony Marrotta led us in prayer (from Italy)

 Holy Spirit, we ask You to  look in on us as we are entering a simple conversation. Be with us, please!  We have formed a small community in the name of Pope John XXIII, and we are trying to enrich our spirituality, AND to do this we seek NEW WAYS  of relating to creation. Today, in this prayer, we see how You inspired St. Francis of Assisi.  We see this inspiration in three of the prayers linked to him.. As we take a glance at them, You, who have inspired us so much in the past, please continue to help and guide us in our 21st century circumstances.

The FIRST one is called "The Prayer of St. Francis" (also The Prayer of Peace)

 Lord make me an instrument of your Peace!

Where there is hatred, let me sow love, where there is injury let me bring Pardon,    where there is doubt....faith.......where there is sadness...joy. and on it goes!

There is great clarity and simplicity in this!! Holy Spirit give us some of this clarity and simplicity!!

 The SECOND prayer that comes to mind - is the Canticle of Brother Sun and Sister Moon. It is filled with many references of praise for the God of Creation! Brother Sun, who brings the day, he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor! Praise be you, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars, in heaven you formed them clear and precious and beautiful.

Praise be You through Brother Wind and Sister Water....through Brother Fire and  Sister Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us and who produces varied fruits with colored flowers and herbs.

Holy Spirit..help us to be closer to all of creation as WE HEAR THESE VERY CONCRETE IMAGES!!

HOWEVER, Holy Spirit,  as we look at the THIRD prayer, "The Praise of Virtue" we ask You and St. Francis, to inspire us in a SPECIAL way, because we are trying to implement/ to come to / a modern interpretation of these virtues ( in our case VOWS) as we strive in our own way to co-operate and co-create with God. We see in this prayer so many references to virtues...Wisdom, Lady Poverty, Holy humility, Lady charity, sister Obedience.  He who possesses one of you, without offending the others, possesses all. He who offends one of you lacks all and offends against all.  Holy Wisdom overcomes Satan, Holy Poverty drives out cupidity, avarice and earthly desires, Holy Humility overcomes pride. Holy Obedience drives out carnal desires.  We ask again, O Holy Spirit, to help us accomplish our goal of co-creation, against the background of recent theology. Help us in relatedness, justice making, and mutual collaboration!  AMEN

Tony’s Reflection:

I am quite comfortable with all the ideas expressed by Mary and Dick, and I agree with what Elaine and Francis wrote.

For a long time I have thought that the interaction of the Spirit and/in the people during the Mass is what is key. Living in Europe I have had, sad to say, too few “liturgical" occasions where effective sharing took place. Dick Westley type small faith communities would be a good place to bring in Cosmic Christianity. Specifically regarding the "spirituality" referred to in the prep page Linda sent us before the conf call......what I have been thinking over for the past days is the fact that my life in   Warsaw( where I live in the very center of a huge city on the edge of a beautiful park...) is actually more conducive for me  to be close to nature, and therefore close to the Spirit from this point of view, WHILE when I am back in Vicenza in Italy, a small city of 125000, where I know many of  my neighbors, I am closer to  the Spirit from the point of view of interpersonal relations.

Francis' Reflection:

I was enriched and challenged by our stimulating conversation.  It's at a level one doesn't regularly get, a rarified experience which I greatly value.

Elaine's Reflection:

Bob's account of his Benedictine experience conjured up for me a sense of sacred space.  I also appreciated his point that the lifestyle, (if I understood him correctly) doesn't break through into 21st century "actio."

Pondering Mary & Dick's rich sharing:  1) The "Desire" (Diarmuid's retreat title) is a matter of INTENTION in the ongoing invitation to co-create. (Like that!)  2. Diarmuid's call for myths to yield deeper meaning.  (Makes me want to read which ones he's referring to.)  3) We don't address God, but express God.  When we pray we give a form to that.  It's a release of Spirit already within us.  (Yes!  But I'd add, -- just as it's a human need to give a face to Spirit as Mary said, so also with addressing God.)  4)  Though we appreciate Dick's reason for wanting to drop the consecration, (a calling down of Jesus from on high,)  Francis and I are nevertheless inclined to agree with Allen's suggestion we educate people, (the role of the consecration is a sign of the presence of God, as we all are,) not remove it since it can be misinterpreted.

Terry’s Response:

 Keeping in mind the topics that Mary & Dick asked us to think about, -----  I talked about the energy of prayer and the Spirit alive all around us, impelling us in our daily lives. For me, this can be more activist than contemplative, although there are always elements of both in my day. With, regard to the discussion of the consecration, I spoke of how we, at the Inclusive Community often recite the words of the consecration together. I personally think that the word "consecration" implies some sort of exclusive and almost royal ability to the priest, which for me is not the picture I have of Jesus and his intent at the Last Supper.

Fred’s Reflection:

I talked of my work as a storyteller enriching the commitments in my life, as I relate to the very young and the very old. I concur with Terry's description of consecration and believe that more emphasis should be placed on the spiritual communion and energy we get from being part of the Body of Christ.  

Linda’s Reflection:

 I appreciated Tony Marotta's opening prayer which focused on the spirituality of St. Francis. How gleefully coincidental that our Community's focus on renewing creation was St. Francis' direction back in the fourteenth century. I am so much more aware of my surroundings and how sacred they are because of our Community. It’s as if I stand back at each instance of the day and consider how my actions will reflect the God I believe in.

Barbara’s Reflection: (Our newest member)

What a wonderful, thought-provoking meeting that was yesterday!!

There are many thoughts I have in response-I am fascinated with the energy of a place as well as of a person, community, creation-and how the whole idea of intention factors into this. I am pondering what the Spirit within is calling me -and us as community -to in relation to being a contradiction to today's predominant culture. More inner listening and perhaps drawing the Spirit within as Mary experienced on retreat will assist the process for me at least.

In gratitude,

Barbara

Our next conference call is scheduled for August Sunday August 3rd 2008.