Let us not forget that we continue to experience the metaphorical "labor pains of Mary" since the first Sunday of Advent. These symbolic birth pangs compel us to delve candidly into our unskillful thoughts, words, and deeds. The contemplative process can be challenging, demanding a sincere acknowledgment of our shortcomings. While few are eager to recall their mistakes and errors, it is essential to recognize that not all pain is detrimental. Similar to the pain of labor, the discomfort of acknowledging our flaws is necessary for fostering a genuine desire to evolve and mature as followers of Christ.
This introspective journey, if undertaken without wisdom or direction, may lead to self-hatred or self-pity—attitudes contrary to the work of the Spirit. The spiritual labor pain of compunction must be embraced in the ever-present company of the Holy, infused with the joy of transformation and liberation. The birth of Christ within us empowers us to confront our imperfections. In today's Gospel lesson, St. John the Baptist calls us to engage in reflective self-examination: "...the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'" (Mark 1:3) Proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, John speaks in Christian terms that we often use without fully grasping their meaning: repentance and sins. As discussed earlier, repentance (metanoia in Greek) involves turning away from missing the mark. To avoid repeating the same mistakes, we must first discern the mark missed—the consequence of our unskillful actions. Reflecting on our unskillful reactions in thought, word, and deed when someone upsets us is crucial. What was the impact of our response, and how can we avoid missing the mark in the future? Building upon the reflections from the first Sunday of Advent, the practice of repentance, or changing the heart in traditional terms, hinges on asking the right question. Rather than adopting a moralistic stance, the key inquiry is always, "Is it skillful?" in thought, word, and deed. This approach starkly differs from the binary question of "Was I right or wrong?" It invites us to a nuanced examination, encouraging growth and transformation in our journey as followers of Christ. So, what qualifies as "skillful"? The measure lies in the results of our thoughts, words, and deeds. Are they beneficial to ourselves and others? We label our unskillful actions as such because we recognize their negative impact on ourselves and others. For instance, violence is deemed unskillful not just because it harms others physically, emotionally, and spiritually but also because it damages our own integrity and dignity as fellow human beings. What skills are we to acquire? True repentance begins from the heart, urging us to learn how to still the mind and body. Training our mind and body to be still creates a skillful environment that allows us to pause before unskillfully reacting to external stimuli. In this stillness, we can examine our 1) words, 2) thoughts, and 3) deeds, as we recite our sins according to the Book of Common Prayer: “We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone.” (BCP, p. 360) 1) We can observe thoughts and feelings in our interactions with others. Are these thoughts and feelings skillful? What results do they bring to us and others? For instance, if we feel anger, how can we handle it skillfully? 2) We can listen clearly to how we talk to ourselves. What tone do we use? Is it harsh, judgmental, kind, or understanding? 3) What fundamental deed or action, such as breathing, is impacting us? How do we breathe when angry? Can we change our breathing to lower our anger and channel it into a sense of passion and motivation for positive change? The more skillful we become in thought, word, and deed, the more we connect with Christ, as though the unborn baby is connected to the placenta by the umbilical cord. |
Paul"...life up your love to that cloud [of unknowing]...let God draw your love up to that cloud...through the help of his grace, to forget every other thing." Archives
January 2025
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