Our struggle with the False and True Self

To understand the struggle between the False and True Self, as an option, was most certainly not always obvious in my life of seventy plus years.   In fact, it is relatively new to me. And I am only slowly beginning to grasp its full significance.  For one thing it revealed the hazard(s) of thinking ‘I’m a victim’ with the entitlement of self pity, and the assumption that I am not responsible for my miserable addiction or condition, etc.? Dr. David Hawkins has said "there is a secret payoff and satisfaction in being the victim, martyr, or loser." Seeing myself in that Light I can now better understand the words from Fr. Anthony de Mello when he states: 

“Nothing surpasses the [prayers] of those who have learned perfect acceptance of everything that is. In the game of cards called life one plays the hand one is dealt to the best of one's ability.  Those who insist on playing not the hand they were given, but the one they insist they should have been dealt— these are life's failures. We are not asked if we will play. That is not an option. Play we must. The option is how.”

While these may sound like harsh words, they immediately recognize our daily struggle with the alter ego.  Nothing easy about that kind of prayer, but doesn’t it bring us toward the ‘Right Relationship With Life Itself’?[1]      

At the same time it is wonderfully balanced by yet another meditation from de Mello, entitled ‘DON'T CHANGE’, as follows:

I was a neurotic for years. I was anxious and depressed and selfish. Everyone kept telling me to change. I resented them, and I agreed with them, and I wanted to change, but simply couldn't, no matter how hard I tried. What hurt the most was that, like the others, my best friend kept insisting that I change. So I felt powerless and trapped. Then, one day, he said to me. 'Don't change. I love you just as you are."  Those words were music to my ears: "Don’t change. Don't change. Don't change. . . . . . .I love you as you are." I relaxed.  I came alive. And suddenly I changed!  Now I know that I couldn't really change until I found someone who would love me whether I changed or not.

 Is this how you love me, God?” 

Finally, it is the question in the last line “Is this how you love me, God?” that reveals to me the way in which ‘God gives us more power than answers’[2].  I know, but yet I don’t know.  Therein, I can now place my total trust.

Note: Both of the above meditations from Fr. Anthony de Mello, are from his book The Song of the Bird, (1984).

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[1] Richard Rohr, Breathing Under Water, Franciscan Media, p. 61

[2] Richard Rohr, Breathing Under Water, Franciscan Media, p. 64

God Meets Us Where We Are

Even though God is always calling us to constant conversion and growth, and even though we are imperfect and sometimes sinful people, God loves us as we are now. As the Indian Jesuit Anthony de Mello said, “You don’t have to change for God to love you.” This is one of the main insights of the First Week of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola: We are loved even in our imperfections.

Recently a dear friend and priest of ours expressed his concern about the complete lack of interest by Roman Catholics to participate in parish faith development programs.

It could be said that the reason why some young families are reluctant to participate is that both parents may work and these programs could take away valuable time spent with their kids.   For the same reason elderly couples may not find it comfortable to attend because they are afraid to drive after dark  Similarly other folks may not want to take part in these programs when led by lay people who are automatically suspect due to the  lack or absence of any proper religious (not faith experienced) authority.

It seems that some Roman Catholics have a need for the ever present and visible religious authority.  Yes, God is important, but only an ordained individual such as the Pope, can provide them with the exact boundaries under which ‘religion’ can be understood and practised.  The freedom offered under Vatican II has caused a lot of Traditional Roman Catholics to experience an unfamiliar and heightened level of anxiety.  The most recent growing angst or ‘religious’ anxiety they say can only be blamed on something or someone else. According to a few, Pope Francis' off the cuff remarks, the secular press, certain stalwart liberals and growing ‘organized’ elements of the gay and atheist communities are responsible for hi-jacking of ‘our faith’. There’s no question, ever since John XXIII first opened the windows and then the doors of the institution did the devil and  all the other miscreants (some of whom are mentioned above) did the Roman Catholic Church turn its back on the only real ideals of religion (not faith).

Everyone, or so it would seem, therefore has an excuse for not participating in any 'questionable' efforts to return the church to its rightful place.  Even if Jesus said that he came to save all. Or did he mean only the select few that had rigorously observed the law?

The Christian duty, we have been properly given to understand, is to attend Mass regularly while being an obedient and generous spectator. And, is it not the duty of the clergy to look after the welfare of our souls?  To ensure that are infants are baptised, our children confirmed, the church hall made tidy and available when they are ready to marry?  Finally, do we not need our priests to offer us a just-in- time pardon before the final send off to our heavenly reward?  Here we will find salvation in a five star room exclusively reserved for all ‘good’ Roman Catholics.  At the same time, but well away from this property, we can know for certain that a few deficient individuals, shall be sharing an somewhat overcrowded closet filled with heretics and other non-believers.

Wait, wait! That thing about salvation, living a life to the full, a truth that will set us free, experiencing healing, peace and forgiveness, . . . . . ?

Well, for that you will have to attend your parish faith development or  the once much vibrant ‘renew’ program’!    Faith is a gift to you from God - not the church which has its own gifts.  So it is up to me and you to exercise this gift and take full ownership God's gift of faith. God meets us were we are - not where others would have us be. 

 

 Consider your own call, brothers and sisters:^* not many of you were wise by human standards,^* not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. ²⁷But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; ²⁸God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, ²⁹so that no one^* might boast in the presence of God. - 1 Corinthians 1:26-29      

               

   

Reading the Signs of Time

Step into Kairos



There is little question about how we as humans are affected by the passage of time. It is a constant struggle as we race against the clock to keep appointments, schedule events, take time to rest and recoup from the daily strains of life, etc.,   Yet linear time is an illusion in contrast to God’s time.  Theologians tell us God exists ‘outside time and place’ and  is able to experience our life as a single event – from the alpha to the omega. This now makes perfect sense when as a child we would ask the question how can God possibly connect with us at the same time as all the other people in the world?  St. Thomas Aquinas said [God’s] knowledge, like his existence, is measured by eternity, which in one and the same instant encompasses all time; so his gaze is eternally focused on everything  in time as on something present . . . What happens in time is known by us in time, moment by moment, above time. (Summa Theologiae 14:13)   

The awareness of ‘God’s time’ from ‘linear time’ has an enormous impact on our earthly existence and experience.  

St. Augustine in his City of God (Book 12) argued against Plato and Aristotle – that circular views of time were ‘miserable’ and ‘prevented the appearance of anything new’.  By contrast Christianity offered the possibility of renewal, growth, personal change and salvation. 

Jesus used a Greek term for this: kairos, a word meaning ‘opportunity or 'the right time’.  Kairos is distinct from chronos, the usual Greek word for time, which refers to the mere passage of events.  In Kairos the linear movement of time is less significant than the power and potential of every given moment.  From this, time is not so much a ‘line’ as a pattern of dots, where each dot represents a unique historical opportunity.

In the New Testament, the concept of kairos is used in a special theological sense, to speak about the timing of salvation. Jesus describes his own appearance and the coming of his kingdom as    moments of kairos. Paul tells us that Jesus died at a moment of kairos and that his second coming* will he another. To see kairos moments, said Jesus, we need to be able to 'read the signs of the times’ by looking at the world with the eyes of faith. Only then does the array of religious opportunity become visible. Paul urges his fellow Christians to seize the kairos and put their lives right, before Jesus' second coming and the final judgment**.

John Bowden, Ed. Christianity – The complete Guide, Novalis, 2005.  



Experiencing Timelessness

We have all probably experienced moments of timelessness.  Perhaps it was watching a golden sunset, a walk through a pine scented forest, observing clouds moving effortlessly against a blue sky.  A moment shared between two lovers, etc.  

All it really takes is an awareness to be in the present and letting God be God.  Many gifted spiritual teachers can help us or experience momentary ‘eternity’ without the need to leave earth. This form of meditation, can be a powerful tool especially for those who find prayer as difficult, dull, or frustrating.  The essential key, is to journey beyond mere thought forms and discover satisfying new depths in prayer from the heart.

A well known and proven guide to such exercises, especially for groups, is  available from most bookstores is Anthony de Mello’s ‘Sadhana A Way To God – Christian Exercises in Eastern Form (1984).  For those who prefer a solo effort I recommend ‘Wellsprings – A Book of Spiritual Exercises’ (1984) also by Fr. Anthony de Mello, SJ.   Here follows a brief outline of just one exercise called ‘The Center’

         I imagine that I walk into a desert place.

         I spend some time exploring the surroundings,

         then settle down to contemplate my life.

         I see how frequently I rush outside myself

-     To people, occupations, places, things –

In search of strength and peace and meaning,

forgetting that the source of all

is here within my heart.

It is here that I must search   

One of the profitable benefits experienced by most participants, just like the sunset, is to observe without making judgment and a sense of timelessness.

The universe could no more be separate from God than my body could be separate from its cells.  Moreover, the only emotion that I would associate with God is love, but it would be more accurate to say that God is love than God is loving. – Dr. Allan Smith as quoted by Bernard Haisch, The Purpose – Guided Universe (2010) p. 146.

*  "In titling this work 'The Second Coming of Christ', I am not referring to a literal return of Jesus to earth. He came two thousand years ago and, after imparting a universal path to God's kingdom, was crucified and resurrected; his reappearance to the masses now is not necessary for the fulfillment of his teachings. What 'is' necessary is for the cosmic wisdom and divine perception of Jesus to speak again through each one's own experience and understanding of the infinite Christ Consciousness that was incarnate in Jesus. That will be his true Second Coming. - The Second Coming of Christ (The Resurrection of the Christ Within You) P.  Yogananda

** see also: http://whenreligionfails.blogspot.com/search/label/final%20judgment

the heart as the true place of worship

I suspect that for most religious followers the idea of a religion without a central place of worship (institutional building) is completely unthinkable. Yet, scripture tells us that God never intended that we should build such structures. According to Fr. Scott Lewis associate professor of New Testament at Regis College that seems precisely the case. In his weekly column of the Catholic Register he provides the following reflection on the readings for Fourth Sunday of Advent (Year B) Dec. 18 he tells us “The idea of building a house for God seems rather preposterous. In the verses omitted from the lectionary reading, God tells David in no uncertain terms that he is out of line.”

Again Fr. Lewis adds “God’s home and the only fitting dwelling or house that we can provide for God is the human heart. We should be very cautious of attemp-ting to confine, localize or domesticate God in any way. God is at work in ways that we have not even imagined — far better to be God’s instrument rather than God’s consultant.”

In several other verses to Chapter 3 of 1 Corinthians we are reminded that ‘we are God’s servants, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building’ and16 then asked ‘do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?^*

In subsequent verses, also omitted from the usual lectionary readings, warnings against building a house of religion is expressed in even more surprising and dramatic terms: “According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Each builder must choose with care how to build on it. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—the work of each builder will become visible, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each has done. If what has been built on the foundation survives, the builder will receive a reward. If the work is burned, the builder will suffer loss; the builder will be saved, but only as through fire. (1 Cor. 3: 10-15)

The following wonderful story by Fr. Anthony de Mello illustrates Fr. Scott Lewis’ point to perfection:

There was a man who invented the art of making fire. He took his tools and went to a tribe in the north, where it was very cold, bitterly cold. He taught the people there to make fire. The people were very interested. He showed them the uses to which they could put fire – they could cook, could keep themselves warm, etc. They were so grateful that they had learned the art of making fire. But before they could express their gratitude to the man, he disappeared. He wasn’t concerned with getting their recognition or gratitude; he was concerned about their well-being. He went to another tribe, where he again began to show them the value of his invention. People were interested there too, a bit too interested for the peace of mind of their priests, who began to notice that this man was drawing crowds and they were losing their popularity. So they decided to do away with him. They poisoned him, crucified him, put it in any way you like. But they were afraid now that the people might turn against them, so they were very wise, even wily. Do you know what they did? They had a portrait of the man made and mounted it on the main altar of the temple. The instruments for making fire were placed in front of the portrait, and the people were taught to revere the portrait and to pay reverence to the instruments of fire, which they dutifully did for centuries. The veneration and the worship went on, but there was no fire. Where’s your fire? Where’s the love? - Anthony de Mello, Awareness.

It is strange to think that Jesus who attended and read from the scriptures at a synagogue and celebrated the various Jewish festivals at the Temple in Jerusalem would concur with this idea. Yet, I believe he would. When humankind determined they should establish their own separate houses of faith it also lead to exclusivity and various forms of violent division between the different faiths. Remember we know that God asks us to live in Oneness– not separate from one another. This blog was written just before I learned that the Catholic Church has purchased Rev. Robert Schuller's defunct Crystal Cathedral in California for a mere $ 57.5 million. What are we to make of this?

WILL EVERYONE GO TO HEAVEN?

"Religion is for people afraid of going to hell, Spirituality is for those who have been there."

 A recent article in the online religion section of the National Post about self professed atheist and author Christopher Hitchens leads to the age old question, so popular among many fundamentalist believers today, which asks' exactly who will go to heaven?'

In an attempt to respond to that question lets begin with a modern parable as told by master story teller Anthony de Mello, S.J.

COMFORT FOR THE DEVIL

An ancient Christian legend:

When the Son of God was nailed to the cross and died, he went straight down to hell from the cross and set free all the sinners who were there in torment.

And the devil wept and mourned, for he thought he would get no more sinners for hell.

Then God said to him, "Do not weep, for I shall send you all those who are self-righteous in their condemnation of sinners And hell shall be filled up once more until I return

It seems that there are many who would like to take over the role of judge and jury to decide who gets into heaven and who should be banished to an eternal hell. Any suggestion that perhaps everyone goes to heaven is quickly met with a great deal of opposition. "No, no, absolutely not, that would mean that we would have to share heaven with the likes of Hitler, Stalin, Saddam Hussein and a host of other evil individuals." Still others (sadly) presented several recent serial killers and emphatically stated that these individuals should not be allowed to even dirty heaven's doorstep.
Catholics should first take a great deal of solace from their Creed which states: 'On the third day [Jesus] descended to the dead' as a reminder that Jesus comes to be with us in hell! This would include those who rejected God because they were denied or never introduced to the real presence of God's unconditional love. (for more on this topic readers are invited to 'Good Goats - Healing Our Image of God' by the Linn family available at every online bookstore)
When we ignore God's love and become too focussed on the sinful behaviours of people it can be easy to make judgment. And if we're not carefull will fall into the trap of demanding justice based on revenge and punishment. When some arrogantly announce on behalf of God, who is going to heaven and who is not; they seem oblivious to their own self-righteousness. Surely such an attitude cannot be from an unconditionally loving God. Instead we have made an Ego based judgment withour realizing that God's Last Judgment has nothing to do with punishment! On the contrary it has everything to do with restoration. It has to do with restoring the love of God that you and I never received. And, it has everything to do with healing and compassion. Perhaps the real purpose of purgatory is to purge us from the many false images which we have projected onto the world, ourselves and others.

Without transformation we will continue to see the parable of the prodigal son with jaded eyes. Is it not easier to identify with the older son? Should the father not respond to the prodigal son with "well O.K. you can come back, but I think you should first apologize to me and your older brother, who has worked so hard, while you just wasted your inheritance, and . . . . . now go and clean out the pig-pen! Instead we know deep down that God the father like any good parent is always ready to love by forgiving and forgetting.

Fr. Anthony de Mello on Loves Forgetfulness

"Why do you keep talking about my past mistakes?" said the husband.

"I thought you had forgiven and forgotten."

"I have, indeed, forgiven and forgotten," said the wife. "But I want to make sure you don't forget that I have forgiven and forgotten."

Sinner: "Remember not my sins, O Lord!"

Lord: "What sins? You'll have to

prod my memory. I forgot them long ago."

Love keeps no record of wrongs (1 Cor. 13).

When we become too focussed on sin and punishment, we often fail to understand what it means to love and be loved by our Creator. There are many among us who have never experienced God's love through their parent, sibling, teacher, neighbour and especially from members of our own religious institution. In the absence of such love we learn to hate, and condemn, become twisted, broken, sick etc.. Many people today have not experienced God's healing love. So how do we accept God's calling to become real lovers in this troubled world? Teresa of Avila said it this way:

"Christ has no body now, but yours.
No hands, no feet on earth, but yours.
Yours are the eyes through which
Christ looks compassion into the world.
Yours are the feet
with which Christ walks to do good.
Yours are the hands
with which Christ blesses the world."

Are there any among you who are prepared to cast the first stone at those that do not belong in heaven? Then first read Isaiah 43:25, Heb. 8:12, 10:17.

Finally, Origen Adamantius (185 – 254), a scholar and one of the greatest  theologians of early Christian interest in Alexandria, wrote that "In the end all will be saved, and the official Church condemned him.

NEW February 2012:  see also "Will Everyone Go To Heaven - part 2.

NEW May 30,2014

OUR DESTINATION

Resurrection is incarnation come to its logical and lull conclusion. It fully demonstrates that this world, this flesh, this physicality is part of the eternal truth and forever matters to God. Again, the early church seemed to get this much more than we do. Read, for example, St. Irenaeus and St. Athanasius in their classic texts from the second and fourth centuries.9 Resurrection is saying that matter and spirit have been working together from the first moment of the big bang. Resurrection is not a miracle to be proven; it is a manifestation of the wholeness that we are all meant to experience, even in this world-not time as "chronological moments of endless duration" but time as momentous and revealing the whole.` When "time comes to a fullness" (Mark 1:15) as in a moment of love, childbirth, union, peaceful death, or beauty, you have then experienced a moment of eternal life. Resurrection is when one moment reveals the meaning of all moments. Without such moments, it will either be very hard for you to imagine resurrection or, conversely, you will long for it like no one else, which is the concise meaning of the virtue of hope.

The Risen Christ is the standing icon of humanity in its final and full destiny. He is the pledge and guarantee of what God will do with all of our crucifixions. At last, we can meaningfully live with hope. It is no longer an absurd or tragic universe. Our hurts now become the home for our greatest hopes. Without such implanted hope, it is very hard not to be cynical, bitter, and tired by the second half of our lives.

It is no accident that Luke's Resurrection account in the Gospel has Jesus saying, "I am not a ghost! I have flesh and bones, as you can see" (24:39-41). To Thomas he says, "Put your finger in the wounds!" (John 20:27). In other words, "I am human!"—which means to be wounded and resurrected at the same time. He returns to his physical body, and yet he is now unlimited by space or time and is without any regret or recrimination -while still, ironically, carrying his wounds. (That they do not disappear is telling.) It was quite a feat to communicate this whole message in such a subtle and refined way, which is precisely the power of symbol. "Our wounds are our glory," as Lady Julian of Norwich puts it, is the utterly counterintuitive message of the risen Jesus.

The major point is that Jesus has not left the human sphere; he is revealing the goal, the fullness, and the purpose of humanity itself, which is "that we are able to share in the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4), even in this wounded and wounding world. Yes, resurrection is saying something about Jesus, but it is also saying a lot about us, which is even harder to believe. It is saying that we also are larger than life, Being Itself, and therefore made for something good, united, and beautiful. Our code word for that is heaven.

Richard Rohr, Immortal Diamond – the Search for Our True Self, (2013). P 83-85