1.Immaturity in intimate relationships is rooted in deprivation and repression of basic needs.
•The immature person will say: ‘I need you, therefore, I love you!’
•The mature person will say: ‘I love you, therefore, I need you!’
2.In immature intimacy:The primary need is for reassurance.
In mature intimacy:The primary need is for affection.
3.The immature intimate is assuming:
‘Someone out there is going to take care of me, right all wrongs
and protect me from danger.’
Such an assumption masks his true feelings of helplessness, fear, anger and confusion and brings false hopes to a chaotic situation.
4.The immature intimate becomes genitally involved because he has never experienced intimacy with anyone, including parents and friends. Such a person can easily transfer a simple desire to be loved into a desire to be genitally intimate. This is the only way he knows how to get human contact.
5.If the physical closeness of genital sexuality is the only bridge to contact with others, it acquires abnormal importance.
6.In the immature person, there is sexualization of the basic needs for security, power and affection and confusion of anger and love. Sexual expression tends to be compulsive and indiscriminate.
7.For the immature, genital sex is a defense against close, personal involvement. Physical but impersonal sexual behaviour is used as a way or avoiding communication and vulnerability, which form the basis of mature intimacy.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Discernment
A Fundamental Attitude For Life
To discern is to endeavor to ensure that our actions and the pattern of our life, are in tune with God’s living action in the world. In the decisions we are faced each day, in the choices we are called upon to make, we try to remain closely aligned with God’s plan for us and all humankind.
This attitude and endeavor of ours is based in turn on the conviction that the Spirit is present and is leading us.
The whole idea of discernment is quite simply based on the belief that we are led by the Spirit of the Lord, and that we are able to detect genuine signs of his purpose.
Discernment is a fundamental attitude which should guide our life and our mission.
This discernment in the Holy Spirit calls for:
* a spirit of faith.
* attentiveness to the word of God.
* fidelity to the charism of the Institute.
* an accurate reading of the signs of the times.
* putting aside of particular interests of individuals or groups
To discern is to endeavor to ensure that our actions and the pattern of our life, are in tune with God’s living action in the world. In the decisions we are faced each day, in the choices we are called upon to make, we try to remain closely aligned with God’s plan for us and all humankind.
This attitude and endeavor of ours is based in turn on the conviction that the Spirit is present and is leading us.
The whole idea of discernment is quite simply based on the belief that we are led by the Spirit of the Lord, and that we are able to detect genuine signs of his purpose.
Discernment is a fundamental attitude which should guide our life and our mission.
This discernment in the Holy Spirit calls for:
* a spirit of faith.
* attentiveness to the word of God.
* fidelity to the charism of the Institute.
* an accurate reading of the signs of the times.
* putting aside of particular interests of individuals or groups
Vocation and Call
The concept of the call lies at the heart of Christian spirituality. It is part of the life of the people who followed God and who have followed Jesus. This is very obvious within the Scriptures. It is central to the relationship between the divine and the human person.
In the Scriptures, God first called humanity to respond to his invitation to come and be with him. It is first a call into existence. (Gen 1:1 – 2:3 and Gen 2: 18-25)
Therefore our first call is to be ‘HUMAN.’ God calls human beings. It is through our creation that we are in partnership with God. “I will be your God and you shall be my people. We are called into relationship!
Second call for the Christian comes at ‘BAPTISM.’ We are called into the fullness of Christ and become one body and one spirit in Christ. Jesus called humanity to God, to be partners; co-workers; co-creators. Jesus therefore is the ‘one who calls.’ All men and women therefore receive God’s general call and each responds in specific way!
Call Within The Scriptures:
Within the scriptures there is a pattern found in several of the call narratives:
Judges 6: 11-40 (Gideon). Jeremiah 1: 4-10. Isaiah 6: 1-13. Luke 1: 26-37 (Mary)
1. The Divine Confrontation:
God or the divine messenger enters the scene. It is clear that a divine encounter is to take place. God enters our human experience.
2. The Introductory Word:
Some explanation statement is given.
It can be a greeting or a clarification for the person.
3.The Commission:
The person receives a direct command or a task that will lie ahead of them.
4.The Objection:
Usually there is a response from the person which is usually negative. The task seems to be impossible for them.
5.The Reassurance:
God or the messenger responds immediately. Assuring the person that the task will not have to be done alone. God’s help and presence will be with them.
6.The Sign:
Not all calls include a sign but many do. It is letting the person know that God is faithful to his word.
In the Scriptures, God first called humanity to respond to his invitation to come and be with him. It is first a call into existence. (Gen 1:1 – 2:3 and Gen 2: 18-25)
Therefore our first call is to be ‘HUMAN.’ God calls human beings. It is through our creation that we are in partnership with God. “I will be your God and you shall be my people. We are called into relationship!
Second call for the Christian comes at ‘BAPTISM.’ We are called into the fullness of Christ and become one body and one spirit in Christ. Jesus called humanity to God, to be partners; co-workers; co-creators. Jesus therefore is the ‘one who calls.’ All men and women therefore receive God’s general call and each responds in specific way!
Call Within The Scriptures:
Within the scriptures there is a pattern found in several of the call narratives:
Judges 6: 11-40 (Gideon). Jeremiah 1: 4-10. Isaiah 6: 1-13. Luke 1: 26-37 (Mary)
1. The Divine Confrontation:
God or the divine messenger enters the scene. It is clear that a divine encounter is to take place. God enters our human experience.
2. The Introductory Word:
Some explanation statement is given.
It can be a greeting or a clarification for the person.
3.The Commission:
The person receives a direct command or a task that will lie ahead of them.
4.The Objection:
Usually there is a response from the person which is usually negative. The task seems to be impossible for them.
5.The Reassurance:
God or the messenger responds immediately. Assuring the person that the task will not have to be done alone. God’s help and presence will be with them.
6.The Sign:
Not all calls include a sign but many do. It is letting the person know that God is faithful to his word.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Wise Men and Fools
Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools talk because they have to say something.
True Friendship
True friendship isn't seen with the eyes, it is felt with the heart.
When there is trust, understanding, loyalty, and sharing.
True friendship is a rare feeling, but when it is found
It has profound impact on our well-being, strength, and character.
True friendship does not need elaborate gifts
Or spectacular events in order to be valuable or valued.
To ensure long-lasting quality and satisfaction,
True friendship only needs a few key ingredients:
Undying loyalty, unmatched understanding, unsurpassed trust,
Deep and soulful secrets, and endless sharing.
These ingredients, mixed with personality and a sense of humor,
Can make a friendship last a lifetime!
Unknown Source
When there is trust, understanding, loyalty, and sharing.
True friendship is a rare feeling, but when it is found
It has profound impact on our well-being, strength, and character.
True friendship does not need elaborate gifts
Or spectacular events in order to be valuable or valued.
To ensure long-lasting quality and satisfaction,
True friendship only needs a few key ingredients:
Undying loyalty, unmatched understanding, unsurpassed trust,
Deep and soulful secrets, and endless sharing.
These ingredients, mixed with personality and a sense of humor,
Can make a friendship last a lifetime!
Unknown Source
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)