The society in which we live suggests in countless ways that the way to go is up. Making it to the top, entering the limelight, breaking the record - that's what draws attention, gets us on the front page of the newspaper, and offers us the rewards of money and fame.
The way of Jesus is radically different. It is the way not of upward mobility but of downward mobility. It is going to the bottom, staying behind the sets, and choosing the last place! Why is the way of Jesus worth choosing? Because it is the way to the Kingdom, the way Jesus took, and the way that brings everlasting life.
Henri Nouwen, from Bread for the Journey
St Francis, whom we follow in each of the Three Orders, was known as Il Poverello, the little poor one. We in the Third Order were originally known as the Order of Penitents. Nouwen's words carry this essence so clearly into the language of our own times: truly following Christ in the 21st Century is a ridiculous occupation in the world's terms. We must be fools to live like this...
3 comments:
Welcome back...now you must feed us with your insights.
I would say the world doesn't know which way is up or down. I once began a reflection with this: G.K. Chesterton noted of my beloved St. Francis; "He who has seen the vision of his city [nation] upside-down, has seen it the right "way up." It's the ordinary vision of life (i.e. the worldly way) that lacks imagination. And it's the gospel way of life, with its foolish imaginary ideals, that holds the greatest hope.
If you want the full dose it's here - Standing On My Head Does Hurt
This reminds me of the little way, hard to choose in this world. I'd always found Therese of Liseux so sacharine sweet, but her little way keeps nagging at me.
May we all become fools so deeply and gladly that the world can't do anything but take notice of us because we're so unbelievably stupid in their eyes :)
Amen :)
Post a Comment