Christian theologians propose that natural law is the “light of understanding placed in us by God” which suggest that we should be able to source within our being an understanding not taught by man but rather by God’s Spirit. That through reasoning and experience we are able to articulate personal conviction in a Transcendent Creator of Life and Light, including the dignity of the person, and its fundamental rights and duties. This very aspect of God’s Incarnate Law (in me) has been a central focus of my contemplation toward a deeper spirituality: “according to the whole.”
To believe in a God who is Love is to believe that I was brought into existence by Love and I am to reflect that Love. This is the central core of my identity and I hear its obligations echoed in Paul’s words to the Galatians (5:26):
“Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of one another.”
Paul’s words resonate within me (not) because I have accomplished it but that it speaks to me from an Incarnate Wisdom experienced and illuminated by God’s Spirit through life itself. Although, this illumination is often and easily blinded by one’s own egoic self-deception – of being someone we are not. In this blindness, I am not alone. The very beginning of scripture records first man, woman, and offspring succumbing to this same temptation of self-conceit, envy and provoking each other to sin – only to distance themselves from God’s divine presence. And for Cain, it leads to the extreme of taking of another’s life.
Paul is speaking to the early Church in Galatia about what Christ’s death on the cross reveals and offers to them (and us). Because of God Incarnate, we can now see much more clearly the source of Good and the effects of evil in our lives. Because of this sacrificial act – we have been freed to participate much more deeply in the law of God’s divine Love and to encounter beatitude not only in the hereafter but in this very moment of our life. It is free gift of a Loving God, but it is not without obligation.
In my own experience of formation for public ministry, I’ve experienced internal amplifications of conscience directly correlating to Paul’s statement: “Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of one another.”
The idea of standing in front of anyone and suggesting how they should live their lives challenged my own sense of worthiness. I am no example for anyone, nor do I wish to be. Not until I identified with the two sinners that were crucified with Christ did I understand that discipleship is not about self-worthiness. As long as I accept my “true” self, a beloved child of God (warts and all): I am enough.
Another was facing the sobering realization that people will come to me in their pain and need of healing. What and how I do, or fail to do, directly impacts their spirit, soul, and journey towards salvation. My prayer and petition is to speak Truth in Love, …but do no harm. When and where my actions fail to that end (and it does), I am to receive the wounded with a compassionate ear and contrite heart. In other words, to Love as God Loves, …not as I love.
By grace, I (we) have been given a life, an intellect, a conscience, a free will, and redemption in which to enter beatitude. In those most intense and personal moments, I find the gift of Wisdom and Understanding (not in books) but in walking with Christ through the Paschal Mystery.
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