Introduction:
Our founder, Father Jean-Pierre Medaille SJ gave us a wonderfully simple and effective way to gather in community and do spiritual sharing of the heart… so that it doesn't become counseling, a twelve steps recovery meeting, a bible sharing or just idle conversation. This simple graced way of conversation facilitates getting to the 'heart of the matter' in great simplicity, candour and gentleness.
Sharing the State of the Heart
Every four to six weeks the women/men of The Little Design Communities will plan to meet in small gatherings in each other's homes. Ideally, the groupings will be of three to six persons (maximum) so as to more easily deepen trust and ease in communicating with each other the interior stirrings of their hearts. After an opening prayer and/or song, there may be a reading from Scripture or some other sacred text (e.g. Eucharistic Letter, contemporary spiritual author, a Maxim)… which is followed by a rather lengthy period of contemplative silence.
Sharing of the heart will flow in great gentleness and peace as each person is invited to share from the heart his/her:
gratitude for some growth in virtue that he/she has experienced over the past few weeks in some area of her life
(eg. endurance, courage, faith, transformation, living in the present moment, conversion, independence, surrender, limitations)
or
struggle with some vulnerable area that invites a new challenge to grow in some virtue or mature in some area of functionality that is impeding his/her inner freedom.
(eg. fear, isolation, change, boredom, exhaustion, pain, darkness, vulnerability, powerlessness)
This little way demonstrate s how God delights to "Empty me and fill me with great love."The small community of men/women simply listen to each other's story with love and deep respect for God's work within each one's unique journey. There is no need to comment, advise or make suggestions.
The Spirit alive within the sharing will instruct and counsel and each will come to "a knowing in their heart" that God's infinite love is calling them into 'the more'.Enjoy these special times together for mutual support and friendship … always with a cup of tea and some refreshments. Cherish each other in your hearts and pray daily for God's Love to deepen and expand within our homes and neighbourhoods and cities... yes, all around the world.
"Have God alone before your eyes,
God's good pleasure,
God's glory,
and make no account of anything else.
J. P. Medaille, SJ, Maxim of Love 4:1
