Every day I receive a devotional from Radical Grace (Richard Rohr's Web site). I relate very
much to his posts and devotionals. The fact that he is a Catholic Father is amazing. Growing up as a Baptist, I was taught that Catholics are wrong and we should never even visit their churches. That makes my learning from Rohr a special treat, overcoming denominational labels and being open to truth from all sources. This one was extra special, worthy of posting and sharing.
GRACE IS EVERYWHERE
Enlightenment (John 8:12) cannot be manufactured, manipulated, or delivered on demand. It is always given from another. Wisdom is not a do-it-yourself project. The Spirit blows where it pleases, and for those of us on the journey, all we can do is listen for the lessons and remain open. Jesus called this faith.
All we can really do is ask for the grace to be open and willing enough to recognize the secret doorways God opens for us. The door is almost always some form of suffering—physical, relational, emotional, intellectual, or structural. I define suffering as what happens to you whenever you are not in control.
Enlightenment is not about knowing as much as it is about unknowing; it is not so much learning as unlearning. It is about surrendering and letting go rather than achieving and possessing. It’s more about entering the mystery than arriving at a mental certitude.
Enlightenment is all gratuitous grace, and the only reasonable response is a grateful heart and the acknowledgment that, always, there is more to the mystery.
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Reality needs to be checked often. Admittedly, it's my view of reality. Having been delivered from a life of relational and religious lack of reality, it's a quest of mine to always do a reality check. It's become a lifetime adventure, exciting and ongoing.
4 comments:
My home group is going through Richard Rohr's The Naked Now. I don't think we've ever done a study that was as thought-provoking or has generated as much discussion. After finishing that book (couldn't stand it...I had to 'read ahead') I began Everything Belongs.
As someone who would likely be labeled "a mature Christian" I deeply appreciate Rohr's writings. They aren't formulaic and don't attempt to simplify. Instead, they talk about a God way bigger than most of us ever really dare to believe.
I totally agree--we Baptist girls had a lot to learn, didn't we? Can you believe I don't have a Baptist kid? Two belong to a charismatic church, 1 to an independent church and next week, I get to attend my son-in-law's ordination as an Anglican priest. And I couldn't be prouder!!
Cathy, I get Richard Rohr's daily devotionals and read them every morning. A few times I don't exactly get what he's saying, but most of the time when I read his devotional, I go YES! It is so encouraging. I read one time that you really understand a writing or hearing someone speak when you've already experienced what you're reading or hearing, but haven't formed words for it. That causes the big YES! I do that often with him.
Becky,that's so interesting about your kids and their church memberships. Sounds like they've all found their individual places and niches. And to be encouraged by proud parents. Fantastic!
Mary, I just ant on your blog and read this, WOW. I too grew up Catholic and agree with your comments. I'm anxious to find his daily postings. Thanks!
Also are you related to Mark Cherry from Edmond? I believe we went to high school with him. We graduated in 1972.
Love ya
Freddi Booth
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