Callings Blog 1 - Week 3

             I chose to write this blog on Mechthild of Magdebug: The Flowing Light of the Godhead translated by Frank Tobin. The subject of this reading is Mechthild. She is a German spiritualist who joined a Beguine community. She admired St. Dominic and her writings in this section reflect on her admiration for him. The contexts of these readings are her visions and reflections on the Beguine community. Mechthild chose to lead a monastic life by joining the Beguine community. While that may have been her idea of what kind of Christian she should be I think I would rather be a Christian who works. I would want to teach others about God and show others what Christian life is really all about.

                This quote from the section of Concerning Seven Obvious Enemies of Our Happiness That Cause Sevne Kinds of Harm from page 151 stood out to me the most.

                "Enmity in our heart drives out the Holy Spirit. An angry temperament robs us of God's intimacy. False holiness can never win out. Pure love of God can never perish. If we are not willing to leave these enemies, they will take from us more than heaven; for if we live holy lives here, it is a pre-heavenly existence. But if we allow these enemies their deceits and their power over us, they rob is of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, and they extinguish for us the true light of the genuine love of God."

                This quotation gave me a better insight into my project this semester in more than one way. I have been feeling overwhelmed by how much work has to be done with my project in the next seven to ten weeks. After reading this passage I remembered why at the end of last semester I was so excited to start working with the kids at PLUS Time and watching them progress in their learning achievement. I need to let go of all the anger and hostility and focus on why I love being a part of this organization. These enemies of mine are causing me to overlook the joy and happiness of working with these kids at PLUS Time. So next week when I go back to PLUS Time I am going to embrace being there with the kids and not thinking about how much stress and work I have to do for this service project.