Monday, April 29, 2013
Through the Grille Again
As we "revisit" the basics of cloistered heart analogies, we immediately come face to face with the grille. Again I am reposting (and editing) something written earlier, because this is all very basic.
The grille is, in the analogy of the cloistered heart, the important symbol. It is a place of separation and, just as importantly, it is a place of encounter. It is only through a grille that some cloistered individuals (in a number of communities) connect with the world.
And the truth is: every human being has been given, by God, a way to connect with the world. A way to see situations correctly; a way to interact with others appropriately.
God invites each one of us to view and respond to every person and every circumstance through His will.
We do not have to guess what that will is. God has revealed it to us. Scripture and the authentic teachings of the Church show us God's will. These make up the bars of our grille.
Am I facing a hardship? I can face it through the grille.
"God makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him…” (Romans 8:28).
"God keeps his promise. He will not let you be tested beyond your strength. Along with the test he will give you a way out of it so that you may be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Do I want to know how I'm to treat others? I can choose to interact with them through the grille.
"Do not... speak ill of one another." (James 4:11)
"Love is patient, love is kind. Love is not jealous, it does not put on airs, it is not snobbish. Love is never rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not prone to anger; neither does it brood over injuries. Love does not rejoice in what is wrong but rejoices with the truth." (1 Corinthians 13:4-6)
"Love is patient, love is kind. Love is not jealous, it does not put on airs, it is not snobbish. Love is never rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not prone to anger; neither does it brood over injuries. Love does not rejoice in what is wrong but rejoices with the truth." (1 Corinthians 13:4-6)
Indeed, it's all very basic. My challenge is: will I face the persons and situations before me today as God asks - or not?
"We do not fix our gaze on what is seen but on what is unseen…” (2 Corinthians 4:18).
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