Hanging on to Lent

Whew. And what a Lent it’s been so far.

So much happening in the world, and in my own life that I haven’t really known where to start blogging.

It’s amazing when you think of praying your way through situations, and in general. I had started Lent with a series of meditations on the Sorrows of Jesus, and the sorrows of Mary. Easter was creeping into my thoughts more and more, and everything started to take my focus away from prayer … so today I reigned in my thoughts and actions anew.

I brought my thoughts to bear once again on the sorrowful mysteries of Christ, and the sorrows of Mary; powerful memories swept over me again, and my thoughts turned to a more objective meditation on my own sorrows. Helen Keller’s famous quote is beautiful: Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.

Sorrows and trials limn the joyful moments of life.

Speaking of New Age… Reiki No Good

Since I used to be very into New Age teachings, and learned first hand how destructive it is, I’m always interested in helping spread the word on true enlightenment.

The US Catholic Bishops Conference just issued a report on Reiki: Guidelines for Evaluating Reiki as an Alternative Therapy. It’s quite timely. The Vatican released it’s report in August, 2003: Jesus Christ: the Bearer of the Water of Life. (For an earlier source on New Age healings, see The Bible.)

The report references these websites: Reiki: Gentle Healing in an Ungentle World and Reiki for Christians. (One wonders where the Turabian Styling is in the footnotes!)

The conclusion:

Since Reiki therapy is not compatible with either Christian teaching or scientific evidence, it would be inappropriate for Catholic institutions, such as Catholic health care facilities and retreat centers, or persons representing the Church, such as Catholic chaplains, to promote or to provide support for Reiki therapy.

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New Age Healing : The Goddess | Catholic Christian Psychology

I’ve been enjoying the site Chastity ~~ in San Francisco? — well written  psychology, plus solid healing in the Catholic mystic tradition.  I’m especially interested in reading about trauma and natural events, so I can continue to understand future ‘Katrina effects’ in a more wholistic fashion.

Dr. Richmond, the author, has some great insights into New Age trends such as New Age Healing : The Goddess | Catholic Christian Psychology.  And he juxtaposes them against an authentic Christian spirituality.

It’s definitely worth a look see:   interesting Site – with solid spirituality to boot.

The Rev. Kenneth Allen