When I was in my late teens, I took a turn inwards, I became introspective and self-critical. I lost that confidence and spontaneity characteristic of childhood and began to feel that I had nothing of interest to say. One consequence of this was that instead of talking, I began to focus on listening rather obsessively to other people. Over the years, I realised that this was a grace given to me by God (although eventually I learned to talk again as well, avoiding too many embarrassing silences). The only problem with the listening was that it was rather cerebral, it was brain-oriented and thinking-oriented. I focussed too much on the words I was hearing and not enough on what was going on underneath. Once I came into Carmel, I became deeply aware that real listening is intuitive and involves the heart and the soul. I loved it when Pope Benedict came to the UK in 2010 and the motto of the visit was inspired by John Henry Newman (whom he came to beatify) – Heart speaks to heart. This is also my experience of reading the writings of our great Carmelite saints.
Intercessions:
Elara, Siena – infants with severe medical issues
Marie – cancer
Bernard – cancer and wife Angela
Rosemarie – multiple afflictions
Agnes - sickness
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