The natural process of connecting life experience and faith is known as ‘theological reflection’. As a term this is somewhat off putting but this article describes how a group reflected on common dimensions of their experience and tried to make sense of their lives in the light of their faith. Read on to see how the Assistant Principals from the Diocese of Broken Bay and reflected theologically and simply.
On this occasion, the process began on a light-hearted note but moved to a point where participants examined their main challenges and major sources of encouragement.
1. Ask small groups to identify a game that could be a metaphor for their work as Assistant Principals. Share these with the large group.
2. Invite the whole group to use the game of Snakes and Ladders as a metaphor for the next activity. Reflect on the successes, good moments or the ladders that encourage them in their work. Reflect on the events, issues or the snakes that drag them down in their work.
3. As partners share with each other, invite the participants to listen for similar themes. Share these with the large group.
4. Introduce the Scripture passage, John 6:1-13, Feeding of the Five Thousand for reflection. Ask the group to see how this particular passage speaks to their current experience.
5. Share insights in groups of four and work towards creating a one line statement about what the passage says to them. These are then shared with the whole group.
6. The entire group moves closer to the prayer space and stands in a circle. A structure for a liturgy are provided and participants are invited to add to simple litany style prayer that celebrates the times of fulfillment in their work and the times of struggle.
e.g. In times of fulfillment:
·    Success with a student who struggles to learn. R. Help us to remember your presence.
·    Progress with a colleague who finds change difficult. R. Help us to remember your presence.

This following breakdown of what happens in theological reflection, adapted from the work of Killen and de Beer (1994), highlights the steps that are essential to the process of bringing an element of life experience into dialogue with the Tradition.
·    Focusing on some aspect of experience.
·    Describing that experience to identify the heart of the matter.
·    Exploring the heart of the matter in conversation with the wisdom of Christian heritage.
·    Identifying from this conversation new truths and meaning for living.
Similarly Kinast (2000) writes “Theological Reflection, which means thinking about practical life situations in society and relating them critically to the traditions of the Church, provides a way to initiate dialogue between experience and tradition.”
By using simple cooperative learning strategies, theological reflection can form the basis for a balanced program or session of faith formation with a group. The process connects with the lives of participants, encourages them to go deeper and to articulate the fundamental dimension or ‘heart of the matter’. From this platform, participants approach the tradition, in this instance the passage of Scripture, with a sense of inquiry.
Reflecting in silence provides a moment of opportunity for the meaning of the phrases to be attended to and the Spirit to be listened to. Coming together in community affirms the fragments of insights that each has received, allows for the exchange of rich ideas and the gradual clarification of the gift of the passage for them at this time. This gift is related to life and the living of the Christian tradition; note the instinctive use of “we” in the following samples.

·    We are the choreographers who know the skills and talents of those around us to make the impossible, possible.  
·    It is the sustenance we gain through Christ that gives us our strength to build community.  
·    Through Christ, we can be the feeder of many.  
·    We are called and challenged to trust in the gifts of the community.  

This example of theological reflection drew on one of the several possible starting points or sources. Others could be used to bring other aspects of the Christian heritage and Life into genuine dialogue, bringing those reflecting to greater alignment of their actions, attitudes and beliefs.

This list of the sources for theological reflection indicates that individuals and groups can use this process to grow in their ability to integrate faith and life, develop sensitivity to God’s presence in every dimension of life, and practise spiritual discernment through deep and informed reflection.
1.    Action (events that make up our life),
2.    Tradition (Scriptures, doctrinal teachings, church history, etc.),
3.    Culture (patterns of organized interaction within human groups and the environment)
4.    Positions (the attitudes, opinions, convictions that one holds). (Killen and De Beer 1994)

‘Doing’ a little theology is worthwhile and rewarding. As Song (1984) says:
God’s saving work is like a jigsaw puzzle. We human beings, even Christians and theologians, do not have the original picture in our minds. The task of theology is to identify and pick up the pieces that seem to belong to the picture. …The jigsaw puzzle of God’s salvation is an exciting game; it can be a heartbreaking game; it may turn out to be a nerve wracking game. But it is a rewarding game, for what joy and amazement to gain just a few glimpses of God!
    

References
Killen, P. O. C. and J. De Beer (1994). The art of theological reflection. New York, Crossroads.
    
Kinast, R. (2000). What are they saying about theological reflection? Mahwah, Paulist Press.
    
Song, C.-S. (1984). Story Theology From An Asian Perspective, New York: Orbis.