Everyone has a self preservation instinct.  The idea of care of self is not a hard thing to figure out; don’t drink, don’t do drugs, don’t put yourself into dangerous situations, stay out of harm’s way.  What about the rest of yourself?  Huh, you say?  You know, your head, what about your head, the inside part of your head?  As a society focused on the importance of what we see, the outside is obvious and the inside not so much.  In the spiritual life we know that the toughest battles exist in the space between our ears.  Mastering the physical is not nearly as hard as mastering the ever niggling intellect.

Yet, all the prominent influences around us scream “look at”: that body, car, house, phone, watch, salary, designer dress, and on.  It is literally impossible to insulate ourselves from the screaming influence of “looks”, the exterior.  Even a spirit filled person can be drawn into that fray.  This makes it even more imperative to give attention to the care of our intellect.   As Catholic writers we are obliged to present the one point of view that is not enslaved by cultural values, strong as they may be.  Our intellect must be Christ centered, sharp and well schooled in order to do this.

Therefore  gird up the loins of your mind, live soberly, and set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Like obedient children, do not act in compliance with the desires of your former ignorance [the culture] but , as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct.”  1 Peter 1:15-16. 

In the fray of everyday life what are you doing to keep in mental shape?  I’m not talking about sanity but clarity.  Perhaps you go out of your way to get to the gym or do a daily walk/run?  Those are good things but what are you doing every day to guard and keep your intellect fit?  The mind (in conjunction with the spirit) is the source of who you present to the world as a writer.  Do you take purposeful time to “gird up the loins of your mind”?

Matthew 6:22 teaches that any light within you comes by your eyes.  Do you take care to maintain your clarity by guarding what enters your vision?   Are you aware that when you cast your eyes on violence, unkindness, strife, perversion and the like, your intellect and spirit become marked?  This kind of internal pollution kinks your ability to think clearly and in a way that is God directed.  Even casual viewing leaves a “mark”.  Are you careful about what your eyes consume?

Long ago I quit watching shows like Springer, and reality television because I just felt wrong about participating in another person’s embarrassment, humiliation and/or misery.  Even if you are not the “cause”, choosing to watch another’s trouble is soul wounding.  In a like manner, do you “take in” what is healing and uplifting?  I have read the gospel daily for 30 years.  Hearing is one thing but reading is a holy act that actually takes the scripture into your being though the eyes.  Equally good for your soul is beautiful art, writings by our saints and church fathers and the nature that surrounds us.  Guard what you see and you might be surprised at how clear your writing chops become!

 

Kathryn is a retired junior high teacher. A convert with a love for the Church she believes that its teachings have a more than viable application for today's world. She writes practical theological for the people in the pews believing that they have as much right to good catechesis as our youth and converts. Her writings appear on Catholic web sites and local Church publications. She has even been published in the diocese of Australia and most recemtly Zenit. Kathryn holds a Master's in Theology and is a certified spiritual director. Learn more about Kathryn at: www.atravelersview.org

5 Replies to “Intellectual Pursuits”

  1. Thanks Leslie…….it is cool! Great minds…LOL! Your ref is Phillipians 4:8, a really good direction for what we put in our own personal computer, our brain!

    1. I *knew* you’d come up with the chapter and verse! Thanks. If I could say I’ve read the bible every day for 30 years, I might remember where it was… 🙂

  2. So true, Kathryn! Our faith journey is one of continuing conversion, and this is an aspect of that. There is a scripture that urges us to meditate on that which is good, which is holy. Or, garbage in, garbage out, in more vernacular terms. 😉 Your post meshes beautifully with my post (coming up on Thursday) on how to express one’s faith through writing/art. How cool is that?! From what we take in to how we express it – letting God touch and use us as we all toil for the kingdom. Starting with our own examination of life and conscience, finishing with our shared attempts to make this world a better place for all persons.

  3. Your article “Intellectual Pursuits” is wonderful! Thank you for writing it. It is the encouragement for me and our Church to be “fired” up in Scriptures and prayer. Food for my soul and my brain!
    God bless you.

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