(Gail Bardis)
Choosing is iffy. For when we consciously, make a choice, it will open up a new road to walk on, a new way of seeing the world which may take time to experience in its fullness. To not choose is a choice as well and its affect on our lives may not be seen at all, since no new roads were taken. It makes self reflection difficult.
We can choose not see what is going on around us. I know that I do it, it is form of protection, it keeps the suffering of the world at bay, at least for time, that is until it comes ramming though our front door. It is also needed, but when it becomes our default position it can be deadening for both heart and soul.
When we give our hearts to God, when we choose to take that road and if we continue to respond to the invitation to go deeper, there is a price to pay. In this world there is a cost to disburse for everything. The consequences are steep, but worth it.
When we seek to open up our hearts to the reality of the world as God sees it through the eyes of Christ, we find ourselves responding in ways before not even thought possible. We Christians want to limit the ‘Word” of God to our way of thinking, yet I find many people of different faith paths and none at all who find themselves seeing the world in a more loving a compassionate way, and not afraid to pay the price. It is true, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us”, yet the ‘Word” has always been at work in the world.
When we learn to see with the eyes of Christ Jesus, we learn how to suffer in a new way. We see others as ‘another self’ made in the image and likeness of God. We see those around us with the eyes of Christ, and when others see us, we began to understand slowly that they too are seeing us with the same eyes. Some people are conscious of it, others are not. They can be oblivious of the reality of the “God who tabernacles with us”.
My friend told me: “In the past I had no regard for the homeless, now things have changed. I see them as human, people deserving of love and respect. I saw a man the other day in Decatur sitting on the side of the road. At first I thought he was dead, he looked so awful. He was just sitting there, his head on his knees, his arms hanging loosely and his skin white and blotched. Yet there was merriment in the café behind him, no one seemed to notice. It was so awful. I put some money in his hands and went in the restaurant, and when I looked out a few minutes later, he was gone”.
People ask me “What is the price you talk about when one takes the road to follow Christ”. Well, the price is in the paragraph above. We begin to notice those unnoticed, to feel compassion for those many only have disdain over. It causes a certain type of pain and weeping and also the realization that there is much that can’t be done. All we can do most of the time is to minister to those around us and allow others to minister to us. So yes “I choose” as well, we all do, though not also conscious of the inner depths where it comes from. A place only seen by God, though a we journey he allows us to see more deeply and to understand out own need for love, healing and mercy……which we then pass on to others…..grace always works for the good of all.
Br. Mark Dohle, OCSO
Holy Spirit Monastery
