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Good morning.Ìý We’re all very used to having the camera focused on us, whether through CCTV security cameras or the gallery of selfies we hold on our mobiles.
ÌýIn 1983, the House of Lords passed the Soames motion for debates in the chamber to be televised. The decision was made with a substantial majority.Ìý Lord Soames believed that the public needed to see peers ‘warts and all’.Ìý Perhaps a brave decision, because the camera records the uncomfortable moments as well as the heroic ones.
When it comes to the spiritual life, we need to come willing to heal those warts that seem to linger interminably and look unsightly. One way in which we can deal with these unwanted irritations is through the practice of the Examen. The Examen, is a prayerful reflection on events at the end of each day, with the intent of acknowledging where the ‘God moments’ have been - and learning from them.
St Ignatias of Loyola taught the Examen to the Jesuits, and it’s a helpful way of putting a sort of spiritual camera on ourselves, so that we can see ourselves, warts and all.
As we come to the end of the week, there will have been wart moments and non-wart moments. Christians would want to say that in all of these times God is found.
The light of this Advent season illuminates everything that’s a part of us. It helps us to see what is needed for the spirit of Christ to help us along the journey of life.
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Lord, teach us how to find you, even in the unsightly places of life.Ìý Let the light of your love bring us healing and wholeness. May every part of us be with every part of you. Amen
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