Scripture Reading: John 15:12-13
"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
Study Reflection:
In this passage, I emphasize the importance of love as the foundation of my teachings. Love is not merely an emotion; it is an action that requires sacrifice and selflessness. I call you to love not only those who love you back but also those who may be difficult t... moreTitle: The Call to Love
Scripture Reading: John 15:12-13
"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
Study Reflection:
In this passage, I emphasize the importance of love as the foundation of my teachings. Love is not merely an emotion; it is an action that requires sacrifice and selflessness. I call you to love not only those who love you back but also those who may be difficult to love.
Questions for Reflection:
1. How can you show love to someone in your life this week?
2. What sacrifices can you make to demonstrate that love?
3. In what ways can you extend grace to those who may not deserve it?
Application:
Consider keeping a journal to reflect on your experiences of love this week. Each day, write down acts of kindness you see or give, and how these acts reflect my love for you. Remember, love is a powerful gift that can transform lives, including your own.
CAA Gabrielle Sturm
Priory of St. Michael the Archangel
Prayer without kavanah is like a body without a soul."
What It Means:
"Kavanah" is a Hebrew term meaning focused intention or mindfulness, especially in performing religious acts like prayer. It's about directing your heart and mind toward a spiritual goal.
Why It Matters:
Kavanah is essential in Jewish tradition because it turns routine actions into meaningful spiritual practices. When you pray with kavanah, it's not just about saying words; it's about being fully present and connected t... morePrayer without kavanah is like a body without a soul."
What It Means:
"Kavanah" is a Hebrew term meaning focused intention or mindfulness, especially in performing religious acts like prayer. It's about directing your heart and mind toward a spiritual goal.
Why It Matters:
Kavanah is essential in Jewish tradition because it turns routine actions into meaningful spiritual practices. When you pray with kavanah, it's not just about saying words; it's about being fully present and connected to the divine. It’s like turning up the volume on your spiritual awareness.
Fun Fact:
In the Shema prayer, "Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord is one" (Deuteronomy 6:4), kavanah is key. The prayer is recited daily, but with true kavanah, each time can feel as profound as the first. It’s like reading a familiar love letter, but every word still stirs your heart.
What About You?
Can you recall a moment when you approached something with full kavanah? Or maybe a time when you felt the difference between going through the motions and being truly engaged?
Colossians 3:16 NKJV - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
The Lord Jesus was meek and lowly, full of compassion and great mercy – and the gracious words that fell from His lips were life and health and healing. We are exhorted to let His Word dwell in us richly, both His spoken and written Word, for they produce in us an abundance of life and the sp... moreColossians 3:16 NKJV - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
The Lord Jesus was meek and lowly, full of compassion and great mercy – and the gracious words that fell from His lips were life and health and healing. We are exhorted to let His Word dwell in us richly, both His spoken and written Word, for they produce in us an abundance of life and the spirit of true wisdom.
The Holy Spirit has made His dwelling place in our hearts, and He teaches us and leads us in all truth: "You have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true, it is not a lie."
