Emmaus Companions Newsletter - February 3, 2023
Hello Everyone,
I don't know how it came to be, but at some point in our family history, a viewing of the Bill Murray movie "Groundhog Day" every February 2nd became a deeply ingrained tradition. In watching this film for the 100th or so time this year, it struck me just how valuable these kinds of little traditions can be. It has become a silly little event that we look forward to each year. As the day approaches, I find myself excited and already giggling as I remember some of my favorite scenes. I eagerly anticipate the time I will spend with my wife, our dog, and maybe our kids, and the shared laughter and smiles we will experience.
Traditions that elicit positive memories and create moments of positive emotional experiences like joy, and comfort, as well as the ritual and routine of a regular, planned, shared experience - however small - help me to navigate the more challenging moments that crop up.
One of the articles shared this month reflects on the confluence of positive psychology and spiritual practice. Groundhog Day has become one of those positive ritual practices that supports my emotional and spiritual well-being. What's your "Groundhog Day?"
Peace and God Bless,
Deacon Eric
"While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him...they urged him strongly, saying, ‘Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.’ So he went in to stay with them." - Luke 24:15-16;28-29
Our Emmaus Support Group have returned!
If you care for a loved one with mental health challenges and feel you could benefit from the support and prayers of peers with a similar lived experience, use the link below to find out how to register for our next meeting.
From The Emmaus Family Support Blog:
Finding Joy in the Gospel; Positive Psychology and the Spiritual Life
Without stating it expressly, Positive psychology recognizes a fundamental Christian truth; that human beings are indeed “fearfully and wonderfully made” and that the human person is a beautiful mystery with an inherent purpose, meaning, and dignity. When combined with common Catholic and Christian spiritual practices and underlying foundational beliefs, one discovers an even more comprehensive model for growth and well-being.
What Does it Mean to Be Happy? An Interview with Prof. Chris Kaczor
with Professor Christopher Kaczor
We all seek to be happy, but what should that look like for a Christian? Professor Christopher Kaczor talks to Zoe Romanowsky about his new book, "The Gospel of Happiness: Rediscover Your Faith Through Spiritual Practice and Positive Psychology."
Rummaging for God: Praying Backwards through Your Day
By Dennis Hamm, SJ
“Rummaging for God” is an expression that suggests going through a drawer full of stuff, feeling around, looking for something that you are sure must be in there somewhere. I think that image catches some of the feel of what is classically known in church language as the prayer of “examen.”
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