Friday 27 June 2008

Today we end the week with a piece that follows up on the one who is self-satisfied or as Merton puts it, "I am not like other people."

I will write this piece without changing the pronouns.
Once he has started on this path there is no limit to the evil his self-satisfaction may drive him to do in the name of God and of God's love and for God's glory. He is so pleased with himself that he can no longer tolerate the advice of another - or the commands of a superior. When someone opposes his desires he folds his hands humbly and seems to accept it for the time being, but in his heart he is saying: "I am persecuted by worldly people. They are incapable of understanding one who is led by the Spirit of God. With the saint is has always been so."
Having become a martyr he is ten times as stubborn as before.
It is a terrible thing when such a one gets the idea he is a prophet or a messenger of God or a person with a mission to reform the world...He is capable of destroying religion and making the name of God odious to people.

I think I have been with such people. I pray that it has not been me.
I am always amazed at how little folks like this listen. Then again, I often wonder why they listen - as it seems to always come around to their qualities and gifts and goals for life. One of the most frightening aspects of Merton's comment is the intensity with which such a person is convinced of his/her status before God and others. Therefore, everyone else who is a different voice is really either someone easily dismissed or one who is attacking. Either way, this "prophet" separates from others. Rather than be a part of a blessed community, this one attempts to rule the community or simply reject what others have to offer. It appears to me that such a way of life may create some sense of power but it is through an isolation that does no one any good.

Connection: When we listen, often the words of religious people are words that use to support where they are and where they are going...and a spiritual life becomes merely a journey of self-satisfaction. It is good to watch our language and hear what we are saying as people of faith.

You alone are God, O Lord of Life. You alone create out of nothing at all and recreate that which is broken and dead. Guide us so that as we engage our lives, we will no attempt to take on your role but will peacefully remain the people you have created us. Amen.