As I reflect on the recent celebration of Independence Day I want to offer some thoughts about freedom, risk, and dignity – the first from Father Richard Rohr* – the second by Dr. Gerald May**.
God allows and respects the freedom of creatures, even to the point of allowing rebellion and blasphemy against God! Inner freedom is a prerequisite for all virtue, just as it is of sin. This is God’s great risk – and God takes it – refusing to use dominative power to force his will, even in the presence of evil. This is really quite amazing, humble, and patient of God. (From Father Richard’s Daily Meditation for July 5, 2011)
Honesty before God requires the most fundamental risk of faith we can take: the risk that God is good, that God does love us unconditionally. It is in taking this risk that we rediscover our dignity. To bring the truth to ourselves, just as we are, to God, just as God is, is the most dignified thing we can do in this life. Honesty risks that God is good. Dignity risks that we ourselves are good. (Addiction and Grace, 169).
It’s good to be back! The time away was wonderful!
tmitchellmusic 