eloquent words
the dance has a way of challenging you and putting you through things you never see coming. a learning process......there is much that life has to offer, numerous things to be enthralled with, grabbing our attention.
What is the Kingdom of God? How do you seek it first?
Jesus invites us into this new way of life asking us not to wait, not go and "bury our deceased" or take care of somethings first then begin to follow him. It is an open invitation one which we can accept at any time, the immediacy is for our benefit. Follow me, seek first the Kingdom of God, requires that we do exactly that - follow and seek. Our outward movements in life should stem from a foundation of our heart beating in sync with that of the Father. God absolutely wants us to enjoy life on earth, to be creative and participate in what is around us, in my case to participate in triathlons, writing, rock climbing, etc. but if we seek more than hedonistic pleasure in what we do we must first lay it down focus our attention on the Master tune ourselves with Him, then we can truly begin to enjoy. In that state our enjoyment will be directed straight to God, if any praise comes our way we pass it effortlessly to God. Merton uses the example of light shining through a window, the more in tune and more in sync the praise that get throw the window and goes straight to God.
In my context, bay area, CA, the distractions abound, it's easy to merely participate in activities, to indulge my schedule, because I like to do these things, I enjoy them. Inevitably it can overwhelm, my level of focus becomes half ass and I look for ways to grant my mind and body rest and peace. It abounds here, and hence the propensity for a variety of substance use.
This has become more and more crystallized in my own mind and I have been laying things down. No more serious triathlon training, youth ministry most likely out next, looking to change my job, possibly relocate, seeking regular scheduled spiritual direction. All in effort to really tune myself to God, to be obedient, to seek first the kingdom and let the rest be added. Often we think of the adventure of following God as adding all these exciting things to our lives, when sometimes I believe the adventure might begin in complete simplicity, complete submission.
Perhaps a measure of trust or faith the length of time it takes for use to learn this lesson.
7 comments:
wanting to be completely in tune with God is an honorable attribute. but reaching for complete simplicity where u leave almost EVERYTHING behind may not be necessary. it can actually seem a move of selfishness or escape. and in result, not so honorable. simplicity may also require simplicity of thought...where not everything must be so deep and full of underlying meaning. i think that can lead to a loss of appreciation for what is actually in front of us each day. the future is the future....but today is today, and great things can be happening today. if we see success as something that brings self glorification...the beaty of humility can be lost.
thanks for those words and i should clarify the 'why' of setting things down. its for the very reason you mention: to be fully present in each moment. I'm not advocating a hermit life where we relinquish everything and escape but a more concentrated effort on being present with God daily so we are familiar with his voice and can act out of obedience. we may very well be doing the same things we laid before him but with a new purpose behind it.
Merton puts it this way::::
Far from being essentially opposed to each other, interior contemplation and external activity are two aspects of the same love of God.
But the activity of a contemplative must be born of his contemplation and must resemble it. Everything he does outside of contemplation ought to reflect the luminous tranquility of his interior life.
To this end, he will have to look for the same thing in his activity as he finds in his contemplation - contact and union with God..........Ultimately the secret of all this is perfect abondonment to the will of God in things you cannot control, and perfect obedience to Him in everything that depends on your own volition, so that in all things, in your interior life and in your outward works for God, you desire only one thing, which the fulfillment of His will
(new seeds of contemplation, p.192)
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In order that any recognization of exterior acts goes directly toward God.
But I think we must lay all things before him and pickup those which He wills for they are where our heart will beat truly in the world.
What do you believe God is calling you to do? Do you know what it is He's asking of you?
not yet - but i'm listening - or at least trying my best.
So if you could be doing anything for God right now, what would you be doing? And if you have that kind of leading, why not be doing it right now?
i would run a "lounge" with a transformational community where behind the scenes as a group we could explore what life Jesus is inviting us to. It would sort of be a real time sociology lab where i could teach on the experiences of the community as we try to follow Jesus in every aspect.
I would travel to Brazil, Sri Lanka, India, Cambodia, Africa, caring the poorest of the poor.
engaging my body in exercise.
perhaps i should narrow my focus a little.
So where do you see this 'lounge'? In San Jose? In a mall? Tell me more....
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