A Monastic Voice...Saturday, March 1, 2008  "The fruit of silence is prayer" -Mother Teresa of Calcutta "Prayer is the oxygen of the soul...Scripture is food for the soul." -Padre Pio Every Friday (pre Vatican II though some still practice this) the Franciscan's would be silent. When they gathered as a community for lunch they would keep silence while having one person stand up and read the Sermon on the Mount while they all ate. I have used this many times in retreat settings with youth. It is most effective when used after youth have been in silence for a few hours. Why? For a number of reasons... The ability for you to focus on the reading can be amazing. Not only while you hear it but afterwards too... I think for me it is the realization that the Sermon on the Mount is applicable for today. And that awareness is heightened because you are in the middle of doing Christianity with others. Maybe this makes the Sermon on the Mount seem less impossible or less detached from our everyday experience? +
Involved in Youth Ministry for over 10 years, Rev Chris Zoephel has worked with junior highers, senior highers and those who act like these folks both as a paid staff member and as a volunteer in churches and para church organizations. These days most of his time is spent chasing his son around, keeping his office somewhat organized and trying to point others toward Christ. Currently Chris is on staff at Immanuel Anglican Church in Destin, FL as the Pastor of Discipleship (which includes being a youth pastor). Chris also serves as Director of YAMIA for the Anglican Mission in the Americas. |
  On mission in Jamaica  Sarah, Paul and Chris Zoephel most recent posts
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January 2008 
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