DISCIPLINES AND GIFTS

The basics of solitude, prayer, meditation, fasting, contemplation, scripture reading, giving with abandonment of all things, simplicity, and such are ways of shaping a ‘monastic life’ within in order to more carefully and consistently be with Jesus and to ask the Holy Spirit for more of His gifts. It is the gifts we are after and not the disciplines. The disciplines are the vehicle and the gifts are the destination.

When the disciplines take on a purpose greater than their intended purpose, which is to receive Holy Spirit gifts, then something religious and institutional begins to replace the simple trusting faith of asking and receiving. When there is balance in the disciplines, and the purpose of the disciplines, there is a beauty in our lives that cannot be compared to any other experience. It is the combination of worship, solidarity, brokenness, joy, peace, love, caring, confidence, faith, and hope. Because in this hidden place of the disciplines we find the Holy Spirit gifts, which is our treasure.

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.” Jesus