up the staircase

The corridors in our cloister are long and winding.  One leads to another, which leads to another, and before long we’ve reached a staircase…

We begin to step.  Only one stair at a time, of course, even if we’re anxious to make our way up speedily.  We do not reach holiness in one quick swoop.  The realization that I can take it one step at a time actually gives me hope.  And so I inch my way forward, taking today’s step toward not complaining when tempted to, tomorrow’s toward more prayer, the next day’s into opening the Bible a bit more often…  

I will trip once in awhile, I will hesitate.  I might take a tumble; after all, even Peter denied Jesus.  But Peter didn’t stay down; he got up, allowed the Lord to forgive him, and continued his climb.  

Our Lord Lights the way; He does not let me “climb” alone.  As I make my way, I hold onto the strong railings of Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  When my faith and determination grow wobbly, I open those and I LEAN….. 

I look up at the staircase.  Have I brought with me anything that weighs me down or makes me afraid to take the next step closer to God?   In Matthew 4:20 I’m told that Jesus’ first disciples, upon hearing His call, immediately dropped their nets to follow Him.  Are there “nets” entangling me?  Is there some sin or vice that I need to drop?

If so, I can talk to Jesus about it right here, right now.  So what if I just stumbled across a random blog?  Even while looking at a computer screen, I can pray.  Jesus' mercy and love are waiting for ME.  

For prayer and meditation:   

“I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk; I will counsel you, keeping My eye on you.” Psalm 32:8

“Lead me in the path of your commands, for in it I delight.” Psalm 119:33-35

Text not in quotes © 2012 Nancy Shuman.  All Rights Reserved.
thecloisteredheart.org      

Bring me into Your Chambers

The cloister I have entered is grander than I could have imagined.  The reason?  Because He is here.

He.  The King.  He is the one who has been bringing me all along.  I could not have entered here on my own.  He is the one who has drawn me to take steps toward choosing Him. 

When I choose cloister of the heart, I am not choosing an idea or a system or a concept.  I am choosing Jesus Christ.

“Bring me, O King, into Your chambers.” (Song of Songs 1:4)

I find that as I write this today, I am unexpectedly rushed.  The day is suddenly demanding much more of me than I’d anticipated.  I remember Brother Lawrence, who wrote in The Practice of the Presence of God:  “We can make our heart a chapel where we can go anytime and talk to Him…. so why not begin?”

As we proceed more deeply into the rooms of the cloister, I offer the following scriptures for meditation and prayer: 

“In My Father’s house there are many dwelling places; otherwise, how could I have told you that I was going to prepare a place for you?”  (John 14:2)

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving, His courts with praise.”  (Psalm 100:4)

Lord Jesus Christ, I thank You for _____________.  I praise You, for You are all Goodness and Mercy.  I praise You because_________  .........………...........

Text not in quotes © 2012 Nancy Shuman.  All Rights Reserved.
thecloisteredheart.org      

got journal?

This is a quick extra post for today, just letting you know that I'm anticipating our "Lenten cloister adventure" more by the moment!  I have decided to keep a written record of how God inspires and leads me, personally, as we go along.  If you've never experienced the fruit of keeping a prayer journal, you might like to give it a try!

can't wait to see....

Our friend Joy wrote to share her reaction to yesterday’s picture of the enclosure entrance. “I can just see myself walking that long hall.  We have been asked to leave all of our belongings, our ‘baggage,’ outside the door.  We are invited to come in with empty hands that they will be ready and free to receive whatever it is that the good Lord wants to give us. 

"We bring an expectant heart, a willing soul and an open mind able to hear the words of our Lord and His daily directives to us. 

"As we enter, there is such an air of excitement.  We look around and see many there who are like us in so many ways:  willing, ready, and anxious to get going. 

"The Abbess is the Blessed Mother.  She is there to welcome each and every one of us and assure us that she will be alongside us the whole time.  She makes us feel at ease.  We are comforted by her motherly love.

"How excited we are, not really knowing what lies ahead.  We can't wait to get started.  We’re a little curious and maybe even a little unsure of the ‘unknown.’ Especially with us having to leave all of what we are so familiar with outside the door; no longer having that crutch to lean on or grasp to ourselves.  This is a whole new way of life, but one we are all too willing to start.

“Mary takes each one of us by the hand as we silently move ahead into the silence of our own hearts and are ready for whatever is waiting for us there.  I can't wait to see...”

Can I identify with Joy’s thoughts or feelings?  Do I come into this Lent with an expectant heart?   

If I have anxieties or concerns, Jesus is inviting me to give those to Him.  My Mother Mary is waiting to help me as I do.  When I get to the end of this first hallway, what will I find around the corner?

I can't wait to see.

Your Lenten Invitation

As Lent begins, I am stepping back to take a fresh look into the "cloister."  I've been trying to live as a cloistered heart for a number of years now.  So how am I doing?  Hmm.  I'm not so sure...

Perhaps a good Lenten exercise would be to look more intensely, more personally, more prayerfully, into various areas of the cloister.  What would you say to joining me for some "cloistered exercises" for Lent?  Not unlike what we've been doing... we'll still be visiting areas inside our monasteries... but with the addition of a few brief "application" possibilities for anyone who might be interested in such things as we wander about the halls.   Nothing lengthy, no departure from our present explorations, but with the inclusion of a scripture and maybe a question and/or prayer for personal reflection.

I think the discipline of "praying in each area of the cloister" would be good for me.  Heaven knows, I need it!

You will not "miss out" if you cannot check in every day or two, so please come when you can.  Each "visit" should be able to stand on its own.

The enclosure doors stand open to receive us!  Once we step through, we'll find a grand reception awaiting.  The first person we'll meet is the Abbess.  I'll bet you can guess who that might be.....