July 19, 2009
Dear People Whom God Loves,
SPIRITUAL JOURNEY II
We left off last time at the stage of being grateful and humbled by the fact that the “bad” things don’t mess us up so much any more.
We now look at the next step. That is seeing that the “good” things we do are not as good as we think they are. This is seeing the shadow side of our good behavior.
I am reminded of the saying: “There is so much good in the worst of us and so much bad in the best of us that it behooves us not to judge the rest of us.”
When we start to think that we are good and holy, it is a sign that we are not aware of our shadow side.
A lot of this has to do with motivation…both conscious and unconscious.
Let’s suppose that I am generous in helping the poor and other good causes. That is obviously good. When I look inside myself, I may recognize that I revel in the praise and honor that brings me. I may recognize that it makes me feel superior or better than the ones I help.
I see that it is important to realize that both the “bad” things and the “good” things need conversion.
Another example. I do religious things. I attend Mass, I say my prayers, I fast and abstain according to church rules. These too are “good” things. Again, when we look inside, we may find something else. Perhaps I enjoy people noticing how religious I am. Perhaps I do it so that I will be rewarded in heaven. Perhaps it makes me feel holy. Perhaps I think that I am better than those who are not so religious. This allows me to be both religious and mean.
I love the quote from Fr. Richard Rohr: “Religion is a wonderful place to avoid God.” More next time.
Smile, God Loves You,
Father Clay
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