Exile and Coming Home
An Archetypal Journey through the Scriptures
- Online retreat
- Self-study, start anytime
- Move at your own pace, in your own place
- Lifetime access
Registration Fee: $150 USD
Program Description
The scriptures can seem foreign and out of date to modern readers. The Bible is often ignored, misused, or abused even by those who claim it as their own sacred text. And yet, beneath all its modern baggage, it holds great sacred truths. Only through careful reading and reflection can we find a deeper kinship with our spiritual ancestors. It is time to put aside what we think we know and read again with fresh eyes what the scriptures have to teach us.
This six-week course will explore the universal experiences of exile and return home again through personal reflection on the stories of several Biblical figures and Psalms. These offer invitations into different archetypal themes of what it means to live meaningfully as a contemplative and creative person in the world. How might these potent stories and ancient prayers from the Hebrew Scriptures deepen our journey into becoming monks in the world and artists of everyday life?
Each week we will explore a different theme which break open the great archetypal themes of exile and coming home at the heart of the scriptures, a male and female voice from scripture, and a Psalm which deepens our understanding of the theme, connecting our prayers to the great lineage of monastic tradition.
The course includes reflections by John Valters Paintner, Richard Bruxvoort Colligan, and Ronna Detrick whose passions are the wisdom of the Scriptures for our world today, as well as nine Psalm-based songs by Richard. Roy DeLeon will be inviting you into a gentle movement prayer for the week’s psalm, to explore its meaning in an embodied way.
Each week you will be invited into reading, questions to ponder, the practice of lectio divina, and creative invitations through movement prayer.
Do you long for ways to enter more mindfully into this holy time of year? Are there stories you would like to remember and honor?
What's Included
Day 1: Reflection by John Valters Paintner
Day 2: Reflection by Ronna Detrick
Day 3: Reflection by Richard Bruxvoort Colligan (with songs included)
Day 4: Body Prayer by Roy DeLeon
Day 5: Closing Reflection by John Valters Paintner
Days 6 and 7 are a time for Sabbath rest and integration.
The materials are mainly in written format, with the weekly song as an mp3 download, and Roy’s body prayers in video format with streaming available. You have forever access to the materials in the course and can move through the lessons at your own pace.
Weekly Themes
The Gates We Enter, The Thresholds We Cross
All stories have gates that the reader enters alongside the protagonist. The gate leads to a threshold that once crossed, initiates a series of challenges and invitations for the protagonist and for us. We find the Selkie within us.
Week 1: The Angry One
Week 1: The Angry One
Week 2: The Contemplative One
and Psalm 87
Week 2: The Contemplative One
Week 3: The Silent One
Week 3: The Silent One
Week 4: The Hopeful One
Week 4: The Hopeful One
Week 5: The Dedicated One
Week 5: The Dedicated One
Week 6: The Active One
Week 6: The Active One
Your Guides for the Journey
John Valters Paintner, MTS
John studied education and earned a teaching certificate in his home state of California. John later went on to earn a Masters in Theological Studies at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley. After working in parish ministry for several years, John returned to the classroom, teaching high school religion with a focus on the Hebrew Scriptures for twelve years. After a sabbatical year abroad, John now works as Prior of the Abbey of the Arts along side his wife of twenty years, Abbess Christine, living together in Galway, Ireland. Visit the “About John” page for more information.
Richard Bruxvoort Colligan, MA
Richard is a freelancing Psalmist– studying, teaching and singing the Psalms. Besides his passion for music and spirituality, he also enjoys dumb jokes, Star Wars, blue, mango lassi, naps and the Beatles. He completed his M.A. in Theology and the Arts from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, and brings his gifts as a liturgical theologian, spiritual director, worship leader and music publisher. He lives with his wife Trish and son Sam in Strawberry Point, Iowa. Be welcome at PsalmImmersion.com and Worldmaking.net.
Ronna Detrick, MDiv
Ronna confesses that she is completely intoxicated with women’s stories (particularly those in Scripture). She believes the world is praying for a deeper, richer wisdom: a prayer answered swiftly and powerfully through women’s incarnate brilliance and beauty. Ronna is writing a book that re-tells the ancient, sacred narratives of women in empowered, relevant ways; inviting their stories to be seen as powerful archetypes that still speak today. Visit her website here.
Roy Deleon
Roy is an oblate of St Benedict with St Placid Priory in Lacey, WA. He facilitates workshops and retreats on expressive prayer and yoga. He works as a graphic designer and illustrator. In 2009, Paraclete Press published Praying with the Body: Bringing the Psalms to Life. He has conducted numerous workshops at the L.A. Religious Congress.
Praise for the Course
Registration
$150
Registration Fee
Terms and Conditions
Please consider your purchase carefully and review the many free materials we have on our website to make sure the program will be a good fit or get in touch with any questions.
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