{"id":24376,"date":"2024-11-08T10:38:20","date_gmt":"2024-11-08T15:38:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/co2mannatoday.com\/?p=24376"},"modified":"2024-11-08T10:38:20","modified_gmt":"2024-11-08T15:38:20","slug":"gods-love-includes-imperfection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/co2mannatoday.com\/?p=24376","title":{"rendered":"God\u2019s Love Includes Imperfection\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Big Daddy Weave - Let It Begin (Official Lyric Video)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/vpy_OuMZ6Po?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Friday, November 8, 2024<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>On&nbsp;<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/cac.org\/podcasts\/reimagining-notions-of-love-with-fr-richard-rohr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Cosmic We<\/a><em>&nbsp;podcast, Richard Rohr explores on how opening ourselves to the flow of God\u2019s unconditional love allows us to pass it on:&nbsp;<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve failed to communicate the unique nature of divine love. Divine love is infinite, but the notion of infinity cannot be conceived by the human mind. We can\u2019t help but turn back to adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing. Saint Th\u00e9r\u00e8se of Lisieux, one of my favorite Catholic mystics, shares, \u201c<strong>There is a science about which [God] knows nothing\u2014addition!\u201d<\/strong> [1] <strong>What she was trying to say was that once we dive into infinity, which is God, any notion of adding, subtracting, meriting, losing, being worthy, is all a waste of time. God\u2019s love is infinite, a concept the human mind cannot form. The divine notion of perfection isn\u2019t the exclusion of imperfection, but the inclusion of imperfection. That\u2019s divine love.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Human love thinks we have to exclude imperfection to love a person. But I\u2019m old enough to know there\u2019s no perfect people around<\/strong>. They don\u2019t exist. We\u2019ve all learned to keep hidden our little secret or shadow self. But\u00a0<strong><em>divine love includes imperfection, which is what makes it divine love<\/em>. Without the grace of God, we cannot do that. We pay attention to the imperfection: \u201c<em>I saw him do that. I heard her say that<\/em>.\u201d Then we have identified our reason not to love and we can feel superior and even \u201cdamn\u201d the other person. That\u2019s what I mean when I say Jesus became a scapegoat because he knew that the human pattern of s<\/strong>capegoating always makes someone else the problem instead of ourselves. Christianity is not about changing other people\u2014it isn\u2019t! <strong>It\u2019s nice if people do change, but that\u2019s God\u2019s work. It\u2019s about changing ourselves, and that never stops. I\u2019m 80 years old and I\u2019m still trying to change myself.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In one of his letters, Paul says, \u201cThe yes is always found in Christ,\u201d the\u00a0<em>yes<\/em>\u00a0to reality (see 2 Corinthians 1:20). <strong>We are living in love if we can maintain a daily\u00a0<em>yes<\/em>. That doesn\u2019t mean we don\u2019t recognize injustice and stand against it, but we don\u2019t let our hearts become hardened and our minds become rigid in its judgments. Love is always a\u00a0<em>yes<\/em>.<\/strong> Even though we might see little or big problems, we don\u2019t let it stop the\u00a0<em>yes<\/em>. I find in my old age that <strong>I\u2019ve eventually had to forgive everything. Everything! Myself, my parents, the Catholic Church, the United States of America.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Once we stop expecting, needing, or demanding that something or someone be perfect, we\u2019re much happier. <\/strong>We\u2019re doing ourselves and the world a favor. It\u2019s not easy to do apart from the life and grace of God flowing through us. That\u2019s why, for me, the notion of God as Trinity, the flow of relationship between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is so important. <strong>Without that daily flow, we get trapped in the negatives. We all do. We all will, unless we tap into the love of God flowing through us.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>______________________________________________________________<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Five For Friday John Chaffee<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1.<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&#8220;Where your fear is, there your task is<\/strong><strong>.<\/strong><strong>&#8220;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&#8211;&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/urldefense.proofpoint.com\/v2\/url?u=https-3A__clicks.aweber.com_y_ct_-3Fl-3D10kpQ-26m-3DiQBg9YKV7f0RJVk-26b-3D.uT-5Fi2yOArom4jSNz3X8og&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&amp;r=hJuMypTcrkRR03PNPiS4CRT5LSpr1w5hmPCN5qMPuH0&amp;m=9t5R0ELHtvOEJePlW2WSUQa3kuvs4QUem6ZuW4XRtUdpq580AwllKoB_znZgcVZr&amp;s=jihysZ-Cjgc2kgXmn_fnrEbJLF9ciNvtf86UoizUNo0&amp;e=\"><strong>Carl Jung, Swiss Psychologist<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As an Enneagram 5, I am a head-oriented person in my decision-making. \u00a0That means I am prone to overthinking issues ad nauseum. \u00a0Unfortunately, along with that type comes the propensity to allow fear to dictate my actions more than inform. \u00a0<strong>Fear is a state of being that all of us can fall back into, but coupled with a scarcity mindset, I confess that fear often gets the better of me.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, this insight from Jung is helpful. &nbsp;It reminds me that my fears are my to-do list. &nbsp;They are the unique work that I alone have to do in the world. &nbsp;We all love stories, shows, and movies of people confronting their fears, yet we shrink from confronting our fears for ourselves. &nbsp;Indeed, this is an evolutionary advantage, as it helps us avoid facing our fears because they might kill us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But that does not mean that our fears now will kill us, even if we believe they might.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2.<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&#8220;What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. &nbsp;That is the whole Torah. &nbsp;Everything else is commentary<\/strong><strong>.<\/strong><strong>&#8220;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&#8211;&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/urldefense.proofpoint.com\/v2\/url?u=https-3A__clicks.aweber.com_y_ct_-3Fl-3D10kpQ-26m-3DiQBg9YKV7f0RJVk-26b-3DHKmmRF2W6mRWzDRDGKhuYQ&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&amp;r=hJuMypTcrkRR03PNPiS4CRT5LSpr1w5hmPCN5qMPuH0&amp;m=9t5R0ELHtvOEJePlW2WSUQa3kuvs4QUem6ZuW4XRtUdpq580AwllKoB_znZgcVZr&amp;s=o7gOGWSqtOgLWdyy1rTl9Mtp_9TmKMMbge6RVBXUbFA&amp;e=\"><strong>Hillel the Elder, Rabbi from 10 BCE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hillel and Shammai were famous rabbis in their day, often falling on opposite sides of debates. &nbsp;As I understand it, they were masters of Halakah and Haggadah, straightforward, legal, and playful bantering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here, Hillel essentially tells the Golden Rule. &nbsp;It is fascinating how it then says every other line of interpretation adds to what is already said in the Golden Rule. &nbsp;<strong>Somewhat playfully, he affirms the Torah while holding most of it &#8220;as commentary.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3.<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&#8220;The name of God is the name of the chance for something absolutely new, for a new birth, for the expectation, the hope, the hope against hope (Rom. 4:18) in a transforming future<\/strong><strong>.<\/strong><strong>&#8220;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&#8211;&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/urldefense.proofpoint.com\/v2\/url?u=https-3A__clicks.aweber.com_y_ct_-3Fl-3D10kpQ-26m-3DiQBg9YKV7f0RJVk-26b-3DJH.SJRaXgLxWI1RzEf7FJg&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&amp;r=hJuMypTcrkRR03PNPiS4CRT5LSpr1w5hmPCN5qMPuH0&amp;m=9t5R0ELHtvOEJePlW2WSUQa3kuvs4QUem6ZuW4XRtUdpq580AwllKoB_znZgcVZr&amp;s=I_deV6QXUHeMHTpS9NFIidR4cHUipOvK63Psu8ob9jo&amp;e=\"><strong>Jack Caputo, American Theologian and Philosopher<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What I appreciate about Jack Caputo is that he tuned me in on what we mean when we say &#8220;God.&#8221; \u00a0Many people&#8217;s model for God is a parent-like figure, some cosmic ghost, or a phantom aggregate of our hopes and dreams. \u00a0<strong>I don&#8217;t want to get into the weeds about that right now, though. \u00a0Jack is saying here that latent within the word &#8220;God&#8221; is also the theme of &#8220;possibility.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the beginning of the Bible, there is a New Creation. &nbsp;Toward the end of the Bible, there is also a New Creation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Spirit is not interested in the same old but in New Creation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even right now, when I feel I am cornered with several serious questions, it feels like my back is against the wall&#8230; &nbsp;<strong>I need to remember to have faith in &#8220;Possibility.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4.<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&#8220;<\/strong><strong>There can be no Christian speech about God which does not represent the interest of the victims in our society.<\/strong><strong>&#8220;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&#8211;&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/urldefense.proofpoint.com\/v2\/url?u=https-3A__clicks.aweber.com_y_ct_-3Fl-3D10kpQ-26m-3DiQBg9YKV7f0RJVk-26b-3DwcOvoHibnmXeG3E-5FaQERyQ&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&amp;r=hJuMypTcrkRR03PNPiS4CRT5LSpr1w5hmPCN5qMPuH0&amp;m=9t5R0ELHtvOEJePlW2WSUQa3kuvs4QUem6ZuW4XRtUdpq580AwllKoB_znZgcVZr&amp;s=WOIwLXZU1w04a3JOW1QzL50zQCKX5YyENIzRh2DqCAk&amp;e=\"><strong>James Cone, American Theologian<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How often do we forget that the Greek word \u03a3\u03bf\u03c4\u03b5\u03c1 (<em>Soter<\/em>) does not only mean &#8220;Savior&#8221; but also &#8220;Liberator.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Any definition of Christian spirituality that does not emphasize liberation is not worth its salt. &nbsp;<strong>How different would our world look if we preached, &#8220;Jesus, the Liberator of the World&#8221;?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5.<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&#8220;Normality is a paved road: It&#8217;s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow<\/strong><strong>.<\/strong><strong>&#8220;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&#8211;&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/urldefense.proofpoint.com\/v2\/url?u=https-3A__clicks.aweber.com_y_ct_-3Fl-3D10kpQ-26m-3DiQBg9YKV7f0RJVk-26b-3DgDh2obDIxYxJTA6.3ueozw&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&amp;r=hJuMypTcrkRR03PNPiS4CRT5LSpr1w5hmPCN5qMPuH0&amp;m=9t5R0ELHtvOEJePlW2WSUQa3kuvs4QUem6ZuW4XRtUdpq580AwllKoB_znZgcVZr&amp;s=-MTl8DoWji8jMGqHDkgOotVsUcAfSqteyagUJlsUGcM&amp;e=\"><strong>Vincent van Gogh, Dutch Painter<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Break out. &nbsp;Defy the norms. &nbsp;Rise above them. &nbsp;Improve them where they need improvement. &nbsp;Do not settle your personhood for the sake of fitting in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This past week, a mentor told me something that has stuck with me. &nbsp;He said (paraphrased),&nbsp;<strong>&#8220;Wow. &nbsp;So you are like the son of a system, and you rose up within it, learned to play by its rules, and even worked toward a role serving and protecting that system&#8230; &nbsp;Until you couldn&#8217;t anymore. &nbsp;And from there, you have been charting your own path beyond that system but with the tools that the system gave you. &nbsp;That is inspiring.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is true. &nbsp;I worked in the church world, went to three schools for it, got three degrees in the field (I majored in Biblical Studies, got a Master of Divinity, and a Master of Theology), and tried to be ordained in two different denominations. &nbsp;However, I didn&#8217;t check all the right boxes and pushed back in places when I &#8220;shouldn&#8217;t have.&#8221; &nbsp;I never wanted to fall into unhealthy dynamics. &nbsp;I refused to enter the role of a pastor in a way that I felt was unsustainable or inauthentic to my own understanding of the faith. &nbsp;For years, I felt as though I was expected to be a pastor in a way that was more telling people what to do and what they needed to know rather than allowing them each to have their own path and offer up wisdom from the Christian tradition as it felt appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For these reasons, I have enjoyed being a spiritual director for the past season or two. &nbsp;It allows me to do faith-shepherding in a way that feels far more organic, less structured, and more wild. &nbsp;It feels much closer to my understanding of a particular itinerant rabbi who wandered around telling parables and being a healing presence wherever he found himself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>My path is unorthodox\/unconventional, but it feels right according to my own temperament and wiring.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Friday, November 8, 2024 On&nbsp;The Cosmic We&nbsp;podcast, Richard Rohr explores on how opening ourselves to the flow of God\u2019s unconditional love allows us to pass it on:&nbsp;&nbsp; We\u2019ve failed to communicate the unique nature of divine love. Divine love is infinite, but the notion of infinity cannot be conceived by the human mind. We can\u2019t [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/co2mannatoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24376"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/co2mannatoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/co2mannatoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/co2mannatoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/co2mannatoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=24376"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/co2mannatoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24376\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24377,"href":"http:\/\/co2mannatoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24376\/revisions\/24377"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/co2mannatoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=24376"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/co2mannatoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=24376"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/co2mannatoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=24376"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}