The emphasis of Nouwen
Submitted by Ford Prefect on February 16 2001 14:12:32
In reply to The crucial word in there is punishment submitted by Forgiven on February 16 2001 03:02:39
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The emphasis of Nouwen, of Merton, even of me who has found so much himself in these men is not on rejecting grace until the last possible moment, then looking to accept it "just in time." Quite the contrary, the emphasis is on recogition of the "true self" and rejection of the empty promises of mere creatures appearing to be the ultimate good. The emphasis is on recognizing ourselves as sons of God, something we certainly didn't deserve any more than we deserved to be sons of our earthly fathers. The emphasis is on living as sons of God, claiming our birthright and acting accordingly. The emphasis is on seeing the good in creation and in others as pointing to God rather than substituting for him. Indeed, this is core of Marian theology and can be seen in many icons: Mary pointing to Jesus. The emphasis is on prayer, finding solitude, letting God into our lives instead of remaining eternally busy. The empasis is on service; letting God act through us for the benefit of others. The emphasis is on gratitude. A gratitude for being allowed to share in God's life....a gratitude for life itself.....a gratitude for being who we are.....a gratitude for all that we're given, which is everything. In short, the emphasis is on union with God....as seeing God as the true object of our heart's desires.....as one with whom we freely choose to spend eternity. ---Ford |
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