Session 7

Question 1. How does conversion relate, correspond and differ from spiritual formation?
As one of the three stages of spiritual formation, conversion relates to spiritual formation in that it is the source of its beginning. As a seeker surrenders his life to God a process of conversion begins. By definition, “conversion is a decisive event. It is the entry upon a journey, not the end of the road. It involves a turning from something and a turning towards something” (Theological Summit Notes 2007). As a Christian this definition involves turning from a life of sin to one that is Christ-like. In the process of turning towards Jesus, spiritual formation gets its identity as necessary in the process. One could say it is a relative of conversion, similar to a mother giving birth to a child. How that child grows and develops has to do with the choices made along the way. Spiritual formation becomes necessary to the growth and development of Christian. Conversion and spiritual formation are connected by virtue of the process. Because of its connection to conversion, spiritual formation runs a parallel course with its birth partner. I say this because conversion is ongoing and whatever steps taken along the way to complete conversion has the process as its shadow. What happens to one impacts the other. Spiritual formation is a conversion or change process as well. The two are all encompassing. They differ
in that spiritual formation is not an end within itself. One can surrender to the conversion process but not choose to be led by the spirit. This becomes a process within itself. To move forward in the conversion process, spiritual formation is necessary. The difference is that without spiritual formation the conversion process becomes interrupted. To better explain my answer, I share the story of my son as a new convert at the Air Force Academy. After accepting the commission (beginning of conversion process), he began to study and learn what was required to be an Air Force officer (formation). Upon graduation, he had met the standards required to be an officer—acted like, looked like and lived as an officer of the USAF. My son had been transformed. He had begun a career that would end in retirement from the Air Force. For ten years he lived as an officer of the USAF but one day decided he no longer wanted the military lifestyle. His spirit was no longer in it. He left the Air Force which interrupted his military career process—no career retirement). I see the relationship between conversion and spiritual formation as sharing the common thread that Thomas Merton describes in our text, “the journey of surrender to the will of God and his love” (p. 20). Surrendering starts the conversion process and is necessary for its completion each step of the way.

Question 2. Contrast the role of the spiritual father (Orthodox) and spiritual director (Roman Catholic)
Based upon the reference to “father” versus “director”, my mind drifts towards the role of a parent. Reading about the role of the spiritual father, I see that of a parent in action—doctor, counselor, intercessor, mediator and sponsor. Basically, directing all those things that are necessary for physical and spiritual health, little room for personal growth is left. The Orthodox spiritual father seems to dictate or require obedience to an earthly individual who intercedes for the seeker. The seeker is not encouraged to establish a direct relationship with God. These spiritual fathers/mothers do not cut the umbilical cord that allows seeker individual experience to take place. I see it more as an obstacle to individual growth and development in the spirit. After all, we are not all the same.
The Roman Catholic spiritual director seems to work towards helping the seeker establish a direct relationship with the Spirit of God. An individual approach with diversity in mind, frames the spiritual director’s efforts. The Roman Catholic spiritual director directs and not dictates. Establishing a personal relationship with the seeker as a means to enhance their relationship with God seems to be the focus. With the same goal of spiritual direction sought by both, the process is different.

First Spiritual Direction Group Saturday March 8, 2008

Under the umbrella of inclimate weather, the group met. Two members braved the weather along with the Spirit of God. Beginning at the altar, members prayed. Sharing the goal for the session, I told Carolyn Gratton’s story, from Benner’s text, about the “wise fish” (p.12). Throughout the session the reframe of “I don’t want to be like the fish looking for water” was heard. The attendees responding to the get acquainted question, “Who are you?” began the sharing process. Between moments of silence each person shared in their own way. Women that I have known over ten years took on new identities as I listen to their response. It is awesome and sometimes a frightening experience to talk about who you are. I read the story of the ten lepers as a means to demonstrate lectio divina. This was a very powerful exercise because we weren’t trying to interpret a familiar story but answering the question, “What is God saying to you in this passage?” As the session came to an end, we went back to the sanctuary to pray before the cross. One member of the group prayed the closing prayer. Although the session ended as scheduled, kairos time seemed to be in effect. It was an hour after the end of the session before our sharing came to an end. Eagerness for the next session was voiced. Praise God.

Memorization

Isaiah 43:1 “But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine…” This is my Bible verse that I have committed to memory. I have found two opportunities to share it since I first chose it. Just as I have wondered about my identity in Christ, I have discovered this in others. When my spiritual direction’s group met, this Bible verse was quite relevant in our discussion. It is good to know that God has redeemed us and calls us by name. This week I visited the emergency room due to an injured knee, (too much jumping in and out of the van). As the pain sought to occupy my attention, I remember saying a prayer and this verse came to mind. It made all the difference as I rested my concerns on the words “you are mine” surely God was with me in my time of stress.