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Our knowledge of God is paradoxically a knowledge not of him as the object of our scrutiny, but of ourselves as utterly dependent on his saving and merciful knowledge of us. It is in proportion, as we are known to him that
we find our real being and identity in Christ. We know him in and through ourselves in so far as his truth is the source of our being and his merciful love is the very heart of our life and existence.
… Thomas Merton (1915-1968), The Climate of Monastic Prayer
(Who do you say that you are? What do you know of yourself from your relationship with God? Compare the two lists and see how it goes.) |
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IS 48:17-19; PS 1:1-2, 3, 4 AND
6
MT 11:16-19
Jesus said to the crowds:
"To what shall I compare this generation?
It is like children who sit in marketplaces and call to one another,
'We played the flute for you, but you did not
dance,
we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.'
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said,
'He is possessed by a demon.'
The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said,
'Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard,
a friend of tax collectors and sinners.'
But wisdom is vindicated by her works."
USCCB Lectionary
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Matthew 11:16-19 (The fickleness of the crowds)
It is impossible to please everybody, Jesus learns. Some consider Jesus too liberal in his following of the Law, and they condemn him. These critics are probably the same people who criticized
John for being too strict. But Jesus does not cater to public opinion. He is intent only on doing the will of his Father.
How do the opinions of others influence you? Do you find it easy to go against the crowd? When do you usually find this necessary? How do you feel about people who are nonconformists for noble
reasons? Why?
Paperback, Kindle
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God and I: Exploring the Connections between God, Self and Ego, by Philip St. Romain, 2016 (2nd ed.) ____________ Chapter 5: The Journey to Egoic Authenticity - Being Responsible Sometimes we don’t
have the luxury of going through an involved decision-making process, however. We have to act, and to do so quickly. Even in such situations, it is possible to pause briefly and consider options. People of religious faith will find it helpful to pray for guidance as well. “What, Lord?” is a prayer I often pray in such circumstances, attentive for an indication of the best option to take. I can never be certain that my decisions are the absolute best. None of us can. Being responsive is enough,
however. Responsible decision-making calls for a deeper investment of ourselves than does being attentive, intelligent and and reasonable. It costs us little to be attentive, although it might be difficult to open up to painful experiences and emotions. Clarifying our beliefs and
attitudes through intellectual reflection entails a deeper and more intensive investment; people who have well-considered beliefs and opinions evidence a higher development of human consciousness than those who have not done this work. Making a decision to act on our beliefs and judgments commits us more fully and personally to some action or relationship. For example, asking someone out on a date is riskier and more personally engaging than just thinking about doing so, or attentively admiring
the beauty of another. The stakes are always higher when we take action, which is why it is important that our actions proceed from the sound foundation of attentiveness and reflection.
Hardback, paperback, eBook and free preview versions.
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