This week we switch over to another resource for these weekday devotions. You might notice that the themes will be similar - not so much sabbath as breath of life. We begin from Jurgen Moltmann's short book "The Source of Life" in a chapter called "life's new spirituality." ....people often set spiritual experiences over against lower, sensory ones. Whatever is 'spiritual' and 'not of the flesh' is higher than the fleshly pleasures of the senses. The one is inward, the other external; the one profound, the other superficial; the one reflective, the other thoughtless. But the result is that 'spirituality' sets up an antithesis that splits life into two and quenches its vitality. In novels and films, priests and pastors are generally depicted as somewhat unworldly and cut off from ordinary life, even though through the hearing of confessions and pastoral care they know more about the shadows and torments of normal life than do the writers and film-makers. This hits on a theme that I sing quite a bit. We are two eager to set up a "now and then" or a "this world and the next" or a "spiritual life and an everyday life." I don't think that is necessary - nor is it healthy. In fact, I do not think it is biblical. The Reign of God come among us - you know, the old: in, with, and under. We are not called to be a people who can turn 'spiritual' switches on and off. We are a part of an integrated whole that is all of creation. Our reflection is tied to our action. Our action is that upon which we reflect and emerges from our reflections. Our moments of the day that befuddle us and trouble us and offer us moments of utter joy are all a part of an eternity of promise that is too often associated with another dimension of life. I admire people who are able to be so aware of the moments at hand that their reflections are both quite simple and amazingly profound. Nothing needs to escape us because it is simply labeled ordinary. Instead the ordinary - the common - the familiar - the routine - is a part of the eternal we long to see and experience. And yet, we too quickly push it off as not worthy of the name "spiritual" or "spirituality." Could it be that we make spirituality something about that which is beyond us because we are afraid that what is so much a part of us is not under the care and devotion and love of God? I think differently than that. God is with us. That is an image full of vitality and spirit and life. Connection: What is the ordinary around you telling you about you and "them" and the whole story of God's eternal love for all? Just look around - NOW - don't wait. Lord of Eternity, we reside in this moment and it passes before we know we are in the midst of it. And yet, in this moment - moment after moment - you arrive to be with us and pull us into your unfolding Reign. Inspire us to entertain the fullness of your eternity even now. Amen. |
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