Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sister Joan Chittister, writing in the Roman Catholic tradition, has some wonderful, evocative stories to tell. In Light in the Darkness: New Reflections on the Psalms for Every Day of the Year she tells about a priest who once traveled to see a renowned spiritual teacher, to spend time on retreat with him.

"Master," he said upon arriving, "I come to you seeking enlightenment."

"Well, then," the master said, "for the first exercise of your retreat, go into the courtyard, tilt back your head, stretch out your arms and wait until I come for you."