As I pondered these readings, the quote “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience” (often attributed to Pierre Teilhard de Chardin) came to mind. How easy it is to forget this in our busy lives surrounded by the physical. We can easily lose the reality of our spirit. But when we attend to our spirit and take note of how we are being to ourselves, to God and to others, we can quickly notice what spirit is living inside in that moment.
The emphasis of the spirit of Christ vs. the spirit of the world stood strong in this first reading from Corinthians. Then the psalm speaks of the spirit of God, emphasizing God’s graciousness, mercy, slow to anger and of great kindness; good to all and compassionate; mighty and endures forever, faithful in all his words and holy in all his works. And he lifts up all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. Wow, might it be true that if we are conscious of our spiritual nature of Christ given to us in baptism, and allow that spirit to be within us and work through us that we might actually manifest these beautiful characteristics of God listed in the psalm? And what a beautiful world we might have if all of us could do that together. We would truly have peace on earth. The quote often attributable to Nelson Mandela encourages us, we must “Be the change we want to see in the world”. The desire planted in my heart today is to ask for the grace that I might be open to allow the spirit of Christ to be in me, to work through me so that I may experience that love and compassion and pour it out into the world. I invite you to find what’s in your heart and ask God for the grace to live into it.
Kathy Kemler
I was blessed to serve as the Director of the Creighton University Retreat Center until my retirement in 2025. It was such a gift to see all the graces that flow through the nature-filled space. After a first career in human resources, I attended the Creighton Christian Spirituality Program and received Maasters in Christian Spirituality and a Spiritual Direction Certificate which eventually led me to my work at the Retreat Center in 2021. In retirement, I enjoy continuing my spiritual direction ministry as I accompany others on their spiritual journey and have the honor of hearing how God is working in others’ lives.
I am grateful to participate in the Online Ministries reflections as the Living Word continues to speak directly into my life and others’ lives who seek God’s love, care and wisdom.
