October 4, 2024
I am writing this on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Richard Rohr, OFM states that: “Francis’ revolution is still in process and it cannot fail, because it is nothing more or less than the certain unfolding of love itself, which, as St. Paul declares, “never fails.” (1 Cor. 13:8)
Fall has arrived in NM. With it comes amazing sunsets, and cooler temperatures. The sun shines brightly these days with very little rain. The Sandia Mountains turn the color of watermelon at sunset. In Navajo these mountains are called Tsepe and O:ku:p’j among the Tewa people.
I like to call October the month of the Mystics.
October 1 brings the feast of Therese of Lisieux (the little flower). (1873-1897) She was a Carmelite nun who embraced a life of pure simplicity. She died at the age of 24.
“Let us love, since our heart is made for nothing else.” The Little Flower
Of course, October 4, today, is the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. (1181-1226) He was the founder of the religious order of the Franciscans. Inspired to live a life of poverty, he became an Itinerant Preacher.
“Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” Francis of Assisi
October 15 is the feast day of St. Teresa of Avila also a Carmelite (1515-1582). Teresa was a religious reformer. She was a central figure in reforming the Carmelite orders of both women and men. The movement split the Carmelite order and became known as the Discalced (without shoes) Carmelites. Her mission was to return the order to the tradition of the Desert Mothers and Fathers.
“Let nothing disturb you, (nada de turbe) nothing frighten you, all things are passing, God is unchanging.” Teresa of Avila
Our beloved Father Thomas Keating, a modern day mystic died on October 25, 2018. We honor his memory this month and thank God for his work that brings the Contemplative tradition into our modern day life. Father Keating was a Benedictine Monk who also recognized the Contemplative traditions from other religions and envisioned a world of inter-spirituality.
He was the leader of the international movement of which we are a part, Contemplative Outreach Ltd. There is so much strive and division in our world, but we remember the words of Father Thomas.
“God will bring people and events into our lives, and whatever we may think about them, they are designed for the evolution of his life in us.” Thomas Keating, OSB
On October 12, 2024 Contemplative Outreach of NM will gather for a Day of Centering prayer in Los Alamos, NM. Join us as we come together to hold the Love that connects us. See events page for more information.
Denise Tierney for Contemplative Outreach NM
Donations are always welcome and assist us with operating expenses.
Check or money order can be sent to:
Contemplative Outreach of NM (CONM)
606 Vista Este NE
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
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