Reflection Questions:
1. What is waiting like for you- what do you feel as you wait?
2. Hans Urs Balthasar writes that sin is rooted in impatience, “Patience is the basic constituent of Christianity.” Do you agree with this view of the central role of patience in the Christian life? Why or why not?
3. How does the liturgical year act as a counterformation to the culture?
4. What are some ways you’ve been intentional about making space and time for beauty, enjoyment, or delight?
5. How does worshipping through your senses influence your relationship with pleasure and beauty?
6. How do you think beauty is part of the mission of the church?
Suggested Practice:
Choose a practice or two for this week.
1. Notice your reaction to times where you are forced to wait this week. Reflect on what your response reveals about your view of time.
2. Next time you’re waiting (whether in line, waiting for an appointment, in traffic, etc.), try to limit distractions. Put away your smartphone and any work while waiting. Just simply wait. Notice your thoughts, emotions, and surroundings.
3. Set aside intentional time this week to do something you find lovely, pleasurable, or delightful.
4. Taste, smell, or look at something pleasing and beautiful. Journal about or discuss that experience of beauty and how it orients and shapes you.
