Consenting to Divine Love: 25 Years of Contemplative Outreach

Fr. Thomas delivered this homily as part of a liturgy on Saturday August 15, 2009 at a meeting of the Circle of Service of Contemplative Outreach at St. Walburga's Monastery in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The homily preceeded within the liturgy the signing of a deed of gift by members of the Circle,  whereby Fr. Thomas's lifetime of intellectual work (books, videos, etc.) will in time be entrusted to the stewardship of Contemplative Outreach. The homily is in three parts and was shown at the closing session of the conference.

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The new DVD series with Fr. Thomas entitled "Heartfulness: Transformation in Christ" is being featured here at the conference. The series contains all new material, insights and spiritual wisdom not heard before and as elicited by gifted interviewer Betty Sue Flowers. This is a superbly designed and heartful communication from Fr. Thomas and one that will surely add to his spiritual legacy. Here are a few lines that especially caught my ear:

Nothing is more beautiful than the uniqueness
that God has created.

… You don't have to create the beauty
- you’ve got the beauty.

… You don't have to create the freedom
- you’ve got it.

… You don't have to create the image of God in you
- you have it.

… You don't have to win over God’s love
- you have more than you know what to do with.

Thomas Keating, 'Centering Prayer,'
Heartfulness: Transformation in Christ

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As many of you know, Fr. Thomas Keating was hospitalized last week with a pulmonary embolism. On Saturday, September 12, he had a simple surgical procedure to ensure the clots do not move into his lungs. Sunday evening, September 13, he returned to his home at St. Benedict's Monastery in Snowmass, Colorado, and is resting and in good spirits.  At this time he is not traveling but we look forward to connecting with him via technology when possible. 

We at Contemplative Outreach and Abbot Joseph and the monks of St. Benedict's appreciate your continued prayerful support.

- Gail Fitzpatrick-Hopler, President, Contemplative Outreach, Ltd.

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L-R last month at the Aspen, Colorado airport: CO2009 Contributor Maru Ladron de Guevara, Fr. Thomas Keating and Marie Howard (2009 Annual Conference Coordinator). Maru and Fr. Thomas were taking Centering Prayer down south way to Mexico and Marie was returning to her home.

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Fr. Carl Arico, Fr. Thomas Keating and Gail Fitzpatrick-Hopler share Contemplative Outreach memories and mirth at a Circle of Friends meeting last month (July) at the St. Benedict's Monastery Retreat Center near Snowmass, Colorado, USA.

     

Click here to download:

Fr._Carl_Fr._Thomas_and_Gail_S.zip (226 KB)

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