Wise Words on Wednesday: The Growth Zone
“There is no comfort in the growth zone and no growth in the comfort zone”
– Unknown
Tag: growth
Wise Words on Wednesday: Evidence of Life
Growth is the only evidence of life.
– Cardinal Henry Newman
Wise Words on Wednesday: Who you are
Be always displeased at what you are, if you desire to attain to what you are not
– St. Augustine
Growing in understanding
Question: “How do we grow in knowledge and understanding of Scripture?”
Answer: “Ask more questions”.
If you want to grow in knowledge and understanding of anything, asking questions is a great way to go about it! The sure and true way to stagnate in anything is to simply be satisfied with your current level of development and understanding and let yourself slowly atrophy.
So, if you want to grow in your knowledge and understanding of Scripture, ask questions about it! If you read a passage which contains lots of things in it that you don’t understand, get a good study Bible, find a Bible geek and keep asking questions until you’re satisfied with the answers!
Stuff I’ve Learned: I’m not who I was
Something happened recently which gave me pause for thought.
A situation arose which was very similar to something which happened to me about ten years ago. It was a situation which previously brought out the worst parts of my character. However, this time around, I reacted completely differently. I didn’t fall into my previous patterns of behaviour.
All this made me realize that I’m not who I once was. I have changed. Wounds have healed. I have grown. Don’t worry though, there’s still room for a little more improvement… 😉
Later that day it got me thinking about how we sometimes view ourselves. I very often still think of myself as that awkward thirteen year old kid at school. Other times I think I’m still the same awkward twenty-something who doesn’t have a clue who he really is. But the truth is that I’m none of these people. I’m not who I was. It is those events of life and my journey with the Lord which have made me who I am.
Lectionary Notes: Kingdom Comparisons
My notes are a little shorter this week because we’re going to be spending less time on the readings this week in the JP2 Group.
16th Sunday in Ordinary Time: 17th July, 2011
Reading 1: Wis 12:13, 16-19
Scripture:
There is no god besides you who have the care of all, that you need show you have not unjustly condemned. For your might is the source of justice; your mastery over all things makes you lenient to all. For you show your might when the perfection of your power is disbelieved; and in those who know you, you rebuke temerity. But though you are master of might, you judge with clemency, and with much lenience you govern us; for power, whenever you will, attends you. And you taught your people, by these deeds, that those who are just must be kind; and you gave your children good ground for hope that you would permit repentance for their sins.
Suggested Questions:
- What does this reading say about God’s character?
- What are the similarities and differences between the way we act and the way God acts? What should we learn from this?