More from Thomas Merton in the chapter "Things in Their Identity."
No two created beings are exactly alike. And their individuality is no imperfection. On the contrary, the perfection of each created thing is not merely in its conformity to an abstract type but in its own individual identity with itself. This particular tree will give glory to God by spreading out its roots in the earth and raising its branches into the air and the light in a way that no other tree before or after it ever will do.
The gift of one's identity is quite sacred. I may be a part of a certain "group" of people because of my race, ethnicity, nation of origin, etc., and yet I am the only one of me. That is the beauty of God's claim on each of us in baptism. We are each the beloved one....all beloved. And yet, there is such a diversity of texture and appearance and gifts that comes within each one of us. Like this image of the tree that is like no other before or after it, each of us must fill our own shoes - no other shoes. Each one of us sends down our roots and blows with the wind quite differently. Part of that is because we are all different and unique. Part of that is that the wind/spirit blows on each of us differently because we are all in different places. The Spirit takes what is so individual and it is able to create from this blessing of our uniqueness - a body that is one.
Connection: Today there will be no one like you to add to the beauty of this day.
Come, Creating God and let your power for life sustain us as we find our way through this life. Be our strength as our gifts unfold and our unique personalities help to shape the communities in which we live. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment