Thank you for this wonderful post. I consider myself to have “studied” under the spiritual direction of Jim Finley, by virtue of his podcasts and publications. My spiritual growth increased exponentially compared with attending church (no offense intended here). I wonder if this is legitimate spiritual direction since I’ve never met Mr. Finley? If the fruits are any evidence, I’m guessing yes. 🙏🏼
Thank your for the comment. I too value Father Sammy's work. It's wonderful to hear about how you've learned from James Finley. As you know, Finley's own growth seems directly related to all his formative years living what Father Sammy Woods referred to as "the three-fold rule for the spiritual life." He went to mass, said the daily prayers of the church, and engaged in serious reflection. All that was part of the "ground" upon which he stood and could contemplate. All done as part of a community of people. It is the way of humility in which we come to share the Divine Life with Christ; to know him through the Scriptures, prayers, ancient wisdom -- and life within a community of people that presents us with the day by day work of listening, loving, and forgiving. Finley wrote, “We meditate that we might learn to see through Christ’s eyes the divine mystery of all that surrounds us.” Maybe there is another threefold process underway in our life -- a shared life with others who are also seeking maturity, the inner work of contemplation and reflection, and the nudging of the Holy Spirit often assisted by the presence of a guide (in person, through reading and even a podcast). I hope you get to meet Finley at some point. He teaches in the Living School at the Center for Action and Contemplation. I know a member of the Order of the Ascension has studied with them. She especially valued her time with Cynthia Bourgeault at the Center. I will pray for your continued journey and ask that you do the same for me. Brother Robert, OA
Thank you so much for the reply. It is comforting that we will be praying for one another. I donate to the CAC and take part in the Daily Devotions and other offerings from there. I, too, sincerely hope that one day I might meet Richard Rohr and Jim Finley.
Thank you for this wonderful post. I consider myself to have “studied” under the spiritual direction of Jim Finley, by virtue of his podcasts and publications. My spiritual growth increased exponentially compared with attending church (no offense intended here). I wonder if this is legitimate spiritual direction since I’ve never met Mr. Finley? If the fruits are any evidence, I’m guessing yes. 🙏🏼
Thank your for the comment. I too value Father Sammy's work. It's wonderful to hear about how you've learned from James Finley. As you know, Finley's own growth seems directly related to all his formative years living what Father Sammy Woods referred to as "the three-fold rule for the spiritual life." He went to mass, said the daily prayers of the church, and engaged in serious reflection. All that was part of the "ground" upon which he stood and could contemplate. All done as part of a community of people. It is the way of humility in which we come to share the Divine Life with Christ; to know him through the Scriptures, prayers, ancient wisdom -- and life within a community of people that presents us with the day by day work of listening, loving, and forgiving. Finley wrote, “We meditate that we might learn to see through Christ’s eyes the divine mystery of all that surrounds us.” Maybe there is another threefold process underway in our life -- a shared life with others who are also seeking maturity, the inner work of contemplation and reflection, and the nudging of the Holy Spirit often assisted by the presence of a guide (in person, through reading and even a podcast). I hope you get to meet Finley at some point. He teaches in the Living School at the Center for Action and Contemplation. I know a member of the Order of the Ascension has studied with them. She especially valued her time with Cynthia Bourgeault at the Center. I will pray for your continued journey and ask that you do the same for me. Brother Robert, OA
Thank you so much for the reply. It is comforting that we will be praying for one another. I donate to the CAC and take part in the Daily Devotions and other offerings from there. I, too, sincerely hope that one day I might meet Richard Rohr and Jim Finley.