Freedom of the Spirit

At a recent Carmelite meeting we were discussing the future structure of our meetings.  One of our number observed that in (Secular) Carmel we enjoyed a ‘structureless’ routine – or something like it, saying that we were the most ‘structure-free’ Order.  She was not implying that we don’t have structures at all, she was saying that we are not imprisoned within our structures, we are free to change them and adapt them.  Indeed there is no set pattern which every community has to follow, just fixed elements like a half hour of silent prayer and a period of study of a Carmelite text and time for proper discussion of business items which concern the whole community.  But the ordering of these elements and the incorporation of other items such as Lectio Divina can be decided by common consent.  This combination of a basic discipline with a substantial element of freedom is one of the delights of Carmel and it is something that I found deeply attractive when I first encountered a community.

Intercessions:

Elara, Siena, infants with severe medical issues

Marie – cancer

Bernard – cancer and wife Angela

Rosemarie – multiple issues

Philippa – cancer

Fr John OCD - end of life