Carol and Greer must have felt a little of both this past Sunday.
On the one hand, they had to have been encouraged by all the great discussion we had. Numbers were down slightly, but engagement was high. All they had to do was introduce the lesson and open the floor for comments. And, from there, things moved along quickly.
On the other hand, they must have been frustrated that they didn't get to present much of the lesson. Carol and Greer spend so much time and energy throughout the week in preparation for a short lesson on Sunday morning. They are knowledgeable and passionate. And we are glad to have them, even when we run with the introduction and miss most of what they have prepared.
Linda, the week before, was pleased to note the very same tendencies the week before. And I expect the same amount of participation this week, as I will be facilitating the discussion.
I, for one, have enjoyed getting to know how our class thinks. Our recent discussions have enriched and deepened the knowledge I gained this summer during our couple shares. And I look forward to learning about and from you (and you and you) each week.
I thought the discussion this past Sunday was quite good and engaging. It probably could have gone on for a while since it was a topic that could go in many different directions and can have a profound effect on our choices in daily life. Here's another perspective. Pope John Paul II did a line-by-line meditation on the passage of the rich young man from Matthew's gospel at the beginning of his encyclical letter titled "Veritatis Splendor" (The Splendor of Truth). Here's a link to the text if you're interested (scroll down to chapter one, there's a lengthy introduction): http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_06081993_veritatis-splendor_en.html
ReplyDeleteHowever, he does get quite abstract at times, but I like the quote - "those who are impelled by love and "walk by the Spirit" (Gal 5:16), and who desire to serve others, find in God's Law the fundamental and necessary way in which to practise love as something freely chosen and freely lived out. Indeed, they feel an interior urge — a genuine "necessity" and no longer a form of coercion — not to stop at the minimum demands of the Law, but to live them in their "fullness". This is a still uncertain and fragile journey as long as we are on earth, but it is one made possible by grace, which enables us to possess the full freedom of the children of God"
I think there is a sense of freedom in aiming at simplicity so it frees us up to do what is truly important and meaningful to us, but it's easier said than maintained. I really have been meaning to de-clutter my room...