Guides along the way - September 1
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 38; PM Psalm 119:25-48; 1 Kings 9:24-10:13; James 3:1-12; Mark 15:1-11
When I finished seminary and was ordained, I was assigned a mentor. I am not special in that regard; it is a provision in the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church, from Canon 9: Of the Life and Work of Priests. Section 1 pertains to continuing education; Second 2 is titled, “Mentoring for Newly Ordained Priests”. I met the Rev. Virginia Monroe a day or so after we moved into our house in June 2017. I had yet to begin my role as curate at Saint Thomas in Huntsville. I had no idea what to expect about what it meant to be mentored in my priestly formation. But Virginia did. She asked questions and she listened. We talked for more than an hour.
What I remember from that initial meeting with my mentor at the Panera Bread on Airport Boulevard is that I came away feeling refreshed and less concerned about what was going to happen next. As I reflected more about that conversation with Virginia, I realized that it felt like a spiritual direction session. She listened deeply to what I said and reflected her understanding in a manner that felt like soul care. I wanted to present myself as confident and “together”…and Virginia welcomed me, just as I was, in the spaces of hopefulness and uncertainty. We continued our mentoring conversations long past the advising period prescribed by the bishop’s office. She continues as a guide to help me understand what God is doing and saying.
As I reflect on this excerpt from James 3 today, I am thinking about teachers and guides. The writer of this letter to the early church states, “Not many of you should become teachers” in verse 1. Thinking about the hard work of educators in the climate of 2021, I wonder how these words strike others’ ears. I do not believe the author intends to dissuade the many of you who are teachers in schools, or in volunteer capacities in the community or at Saint Stephen’s…because we need you! However, the point I hear is that the words teachers deliver cast much influence, moving the whole body of a community – whether through the analogy of a horse, boat, or circle of life. The writer of James connects people of influence within the church to the responsibility held in the power of commanding obedience and direction. The words delivered can bring blessing and curse. These are helpful reminders for those who are in church work, and in other spheres of influence.
Which brings me back to spiritual direction. If you read about spiritual directors or talk with someone who has been trained as a spiritual director, you will learn that this an art of holy listening. There is very little directing to solve problems or quandaries. At the heart is closer connection with God. The spiritual director helps an individual listen for and respond to God’s invitation to deeper relationship. This is holy and hard work. And not many of us should become spiritual directors, not because of how we will be judged, but because spiritual directors are not in the obedience business. They are in the relationship business. Relationship with God. And one another. They dabble in this beautiful gig of listening to the Holy Spirit. When we listen for the movements and moment of the Holy Spirit, our mouths and hearts can be full of blessing. Our tongues can be moved to bring restful goodness and hopefulness for what is ahead, to the glory of God.
Friends, turn away from the temptations of yielding your words for blazing fires, as we hear that warning in James 3. Rather, open your ears to holy listening…and if you need a little help, seek out a spiritual director to be your guide toward closer connection with God.
Katherine+
Questions for Reflection
What do you teach others to do and say? Who has been an influential teacher for you?
What ways do you learn best? When do you struggle?
Daily Challenge
Take 10 minutes to research spiritual direction. Get curious. Then, sit in silence for three minutes to pray for open ears and heart. If so moved, reach out to a spiritual director...or contact your clergy for options.