We need someone to be in solidarity with us, so we can learn what it means to be in solidarity with ourselves, and eventually with others. -- Fr Richard Rohr, Daily Meditation, August 18, 2024
The someone we are in solidarity with naturally changes over the years. My "solid" in high school was my best friend...in college, it was my counselor. As I moved out in life and, unaware, began my spiritual journey, it was way low in my material-world life...but beyond my wildest dreams subconsciously.
Today I trust that God has me and my foibles well in hand. Every single glitch and pitch is of God and for my benefit...especially the scary ones, the ones that say my mind is going on a walk-about, bringing yet deeper fear of being left all alone...unloved, unneeded, unwanted and unappreciated. Ah, that fear, too, needs love.
My spiritual mentor for over forty years passed on a couple of years ago...I miss him still. I am comforted by his early advice to me: Whatever is happening in our life, God knows about it...God does not need our input...follow His lead and if it turns up wrong, know that, too, is for our benefit.
Later, after I came across Meister Eckhart, I quit looking for right or wrong...when disconcerted, I just pray thank you, and that does suffice.
The times the word of God has turned up "wrong" in my life have been my greatest learning tools. Leaning on the fact that spiritual growth is counterintuitive brings peace of mind beyond compare. If it makes common sense, it's still material world...which may be helpful, not even dead-wrong. but it adds nothing to our trusting God.
Fr Richard's words are right on target: A wise mentor leads someone to their own center and to the Center, but by circuitous paths, using their two steps backward to lead them three steps forward. It may look unproductive, but it is really the wisdom path of God.
There...counterintuitive.
Thank you.
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