MONDAY THOUGHT 6/8/09

June 8, 2009 on 1:30 am | By | In Faith & Forgiveness | No Comments
Spiritual Homework
 
I tutor a man who a year ago read below the first-grade level.  However, he was (and continues to be) fiercely motivated.  As homework several months ago, I gave him an assignment:  ”Read a book a week … for the rest of your life.”  Every week (we meet in the library) we’d select a book that was (A) of interest to him and (B) reading level appropriate.  Today, he reads at about the fifth grade level, loves to read and, best of all, has developed a voracious appetite for knowledge.  He knew there was something he wanted to acquire … and he set out to find it.
 
I’ve found it can be similar when it comes to faith.  It’s not about asking esoteric questions or hypothesizing about the logic of the existence of God (though that’s not a bad place to start).  It’s about looking for answers to those questions, by starting with the gift of curiosity or restlessness or frustration or pain, and then devoting (at least for me) at least 15 to 30 minutes each day to reading and praying.  Add to that group Bible study and corporate worship and just talking to and listening to other seekers.  Do that for the rest of your life .. and then get back to me and let me know how it went.
 
My point:  Got questions?  Go look for answers.  I started when I was about 18, deciding that there was one big thing I needed to find out, having concluded that ”there either is a God or there isn’t.”  I knew everything else kind of hinged on the answer.  Forty years later, I’m at about the fifth grade level … but I’m sure enjoying the quest.  Oh, and yep, there is a God.  I found Him … and keep finding Him.  So, enjoy the gift of faith, forgiveness and curiosity.  Now go do your homework.  — jri
 
“Faith and reason are like two wings on which
the human spirit rises to the contemplation of
truth; and God has placed in the human heart
a desire to know the truth.”
        –    Pope John Paul II
 
Prayer is a powerful tool.  It makes a difference.  So, I ask that you pray for the seekers, the doubters and the out-and-out non-believers in your life.  God bless.
John Ingrisano
DailyConnections
204 Lakeview Drive
Algoma, WI 54201
(920) 559-3722

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