Today's Easwaran's "Words to Live By" tells of St Francis teaching how to find perfect joy. Every August 4 when I read it, I feel gobsmacked. I've come to realize it as one of those examples we can admire, think we wish to emulate, but seldom attempt to do.
In short, the story for finding perfect joy according to Saint Francis: Having the love and respect of our world won't do it, winning the billion dollar lottery won't do it, but if we can get shown up, put down, mocked and beat like a drum and then say with love in our heart for the beater, 'Bless you, in the name of God,' then we will have found perfect joy.
I used to think, who's kidding whom? There's less than a snowball's chance in the fiery furnace of hell that we will ever be not only able but willing to go that far for perfect joy. Ah, but my own experience has taught me that's one of the many reasons we continue to take personal inventory...to learn who we are and what we are able and willing to do for God...and for the one who is beating on us right now. For what if the day comes...?
So, my story: I have been shown up, put down and mocked during a sacred meeting in a sanctified meeting hall. I answered not at all, have gossiped not at all, have prayed my thank you prayer for the mocker and the circumstance...ah, but I do not have love in my heart for that one.
I cannot manufacture it, although I do know the mocker for my Angel since for sure there's been little in my life to cause me to dig so deep to find love for another. I do go to God for help...not to find love in my heart so I can know perfect joy, but to release the other from my unlove.
This I know, and it counts...she is my Sister, he is my Brother, we are One. That is enough for love to grow, and that is enough.
Thank you.
No comments:
Post a Comment