Defensive detachment…
Posted by Terry Nelson on Jul 18th, 2008
And the way of a pilgrim.
I’ll be thinking about “defensive detachment” and perhaps writing about it as an ascetical discipline - as it played out in the lives of St. Alexius, St. Roch, and St. Benedict Joseph Labre…
Then again, maybe not. But I’ll be off for a day of recollection and penance today.
[Art: St. Basil of Moscow, Fool for Christ]
July 18th, 2008 at 7:45 am
I’ve discovered in prayer that my own defensive detachment with my father led me to feelings of ingratitude and entitlement where he was concerned, which also led me to transfer those feelings to our Father in heaven. For so long I’ve wondered why I could cognitively accept that God loves me, yet be so fearful of Him (not holy fear … *fear* fear) and ungrateful.
Through the gift of discernment and prayer, I was able to give this to Jesus during the Sacrament of Reconciliation last night. Today is truly a new day!
July 19th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Dear Mr. Jeron, I have the deepest respect for the man that goes to confession.
If people could understand the healing ,and transforming power of confession , then I think that more people would go.
I have talked my brother into going to confession every other week or so ,and he isn’t even Catholic yet. I have seen the power of confession heal decades of emotional ,and mental abuse. My brother has a peace that he has never known before..
When my little darlings go to confession I always give them a confession treat, usually a chocolate bar. I want them to grow up remembering that confession makes you feel good, and that after God finds you so sweet !
I am telepathically sending you a king size, no a reg size snickers bar, to avoid confessing gluttony.. Enjoy!!