a light on my path

Week 4 ordinary time.

Today’s Scriptures: 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12 and Mk 6:7-13

Our next step   –

“Your Word is a lamp for my feet,   a light on my path.”

“As your word unfolds it gives light,  and even the simple understand”    

                                                                                                                   *Psalm 119 vs. 105, 130

The Word is our companion and our daily bread.  As I let the Word of God talk to me, I find I am nourished and guided along my path.  So it is for all disciples following the way.    This is where the heart of the relationship in spiritual direction lies.  The spiritual director is always and only the Holy Spirit.

To seek spiritual direction, is to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  This is the one constant in gaining spiritual direction – ever seeking and finding the voice of God speaking to us.  Of course like Mary, we may ask How?       How do we hear the voice? ….  How do we discern the voice ? ….

For me the next step is to sit quietly with the Word of God.  Whether you choose the readings of the day,  whether it be a verse that has resonated in your heart recently,  whether it be the words spoken or sung…

However the Word of God has touched you…be open to abiding with a verse, a line or a short text.   It is from such encounters that we are fed.   This becomes the source of our discernment, contemplation and musings. Our experience is at the heart of our ongoing dialogue; conversing with our God, and the substance of our personal spiritual direction.

I enjoy reading Psalm 119  in which the writer extols and delights in the Word of God as the guide and guardian of the path.   Various versions of the text engage me and speak to my heart.  The Message Bible** translates the Psalm in contemporary language and opens as follows:

“You’re  blessed  when you stay on course,

walking steadily on the road revealed by God.  

You’re blessed when you follow his directions,  

doing your best to find him  ….   vs.  1 -2 

Be  generous with  me  and I’ll live a full  life;

not for a minute will I take my eyes off your road.

Open  my eyes  so I  can see  what  you show me

of  your miracle-wonders.

I am a stranger in these parts;

give me clear directions.”   …  vs. 17 – 20

Scripture from  *   THE NEW JERUSALEM BIBLE, 1990. Darton, Longman, Todd. London                                            ** THE MESSAGE. 2002. Used by permission Navpress Publishing Group.