January 20, 2012

Reflection on the Spirit of the Sacred Heart January 20, 2012

... people who are gentle with and kind to themselves are the ones who are gentle and kind with others. Those who are relaxed and calm seem to be present to others in a relaxed and calm manner. ...the fruit of our inner work of self-acceptance is the love of neighbor and the love of God. Annice Callahan rscj, Province of the United States, reflecting on a work by Karl Rahner, Spirituality of the Pierced  Heart, A Reinterpretation of Devotion to the Sacred Heart     (http://www.rscjinternational.org/en/spirituality/reflections/85-0605/316-karl-rahners-reflections-on-love-of-neighbor-and-the-spirituality-of-the-pierced-heart.html)

For Reflection...      "What would it be like if Our Lord were as exacting with you as you are with the children?" (Mother Aloysia Hardey, Assistant General, Society of the Sacred Heart 1809-1886)    Our loving-kindness with ourselves is the source of our loving-kindness to others. When we develop this consciousness within our self and toward our self, then we can offer genuine, Christ-like love, tolerance and compassion to others.  This is the true work (and reward) of our life.  Quote from Mother Hardey found in Keepers of the Flame, a paper by Frances Gimber, rscj November 12, 2011 (http://sofie.org/files/pages/attachments/Hardey-Gimber.pdf)               Drawing by Tona Monzon, rscj Spain           http://www.rscjinternational.org/en/spirituality/creative-space-publicmenu-35/13-spain-center-south--drawings-by-tona-monzon-rscj.html