Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Luke 5: 1-11 -
Annemarie Reiner writes:
For much of my life I identified as a Catholic without question. I was one of those Catholics Anthony deMelo spoke of on the first page of his book ‘Awareness’ when he said most people live their whole life ‘asleep’. I was certainly asleep.
Several life experiences changed that and very slowly I began to awaken through the suffering and the joys of life. I discovered the gift of Silence in daily prayer/meditation and began a yearly practice of an eight-day silent retreat. I embarked upon a theology degree around my mid 40’s. Life became a process of transformations and amazing people seemed to pop into my life at just the right time to take me deeper into the spiritual journey.
I have been beautifully supported by a wonderful husband Ray of forty-seven years with our three children and now their families.
I worked in parishes as a pastoral associate and offered contemplative courses and retreats in various settings. It was hard work but also wonderful seeing people coming alive to the Spirit within them.
Questions were rising in my heart: questions about the Catholic Church, about the role of women, about who I was as a woman in a patriarchal church and so much more. It has been painful.
I have a love for the Gospel’s and feel drawn to explore them through writing and reflection. I am a spiritual director and I run a small retreat centre next to our home.
I continue questioning and questing …
