Faith and destressing

I was in my local convenience store the other day and there on the counter were little cards advertising ‘Meditation Classes’.  I took one out of curiosity, and on the back it explained that these were Buddhist-inspired.  The thought came to me that this might be a way for the Church to reach out to people.  I have heard that stress is one of the most common health problems of today, and surely we in Carmel - especially with our focus on contemplative prayer - have riches to share?  I am not suggesting advertising classes in contemplative prayer to parishioners, but doing just what the Buddhists are doing, only using Catholic texts – primarily the Bible but with reference to the huge library of teachings of our saints.  So we are meeting with our priest today to discuss the possibility of putting on Meditation Classes of our own.  My hope is that in learning to meditate on Catholic themes, parishioners and interested parties will not just destress but grow closer to God in the Church.

Intercessions:

B, struggling with brain cancer and the very demanding treatment for it, and his wife as she supports him through it

Ethan, a young boy with severe health problems

Chris, making slow progress in the Intensive Care Unit