Gorgeous post. And great compliment to the last one. "To struggle to transcend any idol is to touch the sacred hunger God has given us." I'm going to write this down and carry it around in my pocket today. I remember when I was a teen trying to make sense of the first beatitude---being "poor in spirit---and how could being poor in anything be a blessing? At some point I came to the conclusion that what Jesus was talking about was this "sacred hunger." Maybe he didn't mean that. Maybe he meant something else entirely. But it made that beatitude make sense for me, and it's how I've lived with it ever since. Thanks, too, for mentioning Etty. She has been a huge influence on my life (in fact, I'm trying to think of a thesis topic that would involve her). I've been reading her journals and letters for years. When I finish, I just begin again. There's so much there. She was, and is, such a gift.
Susan and I are watching a slow sunset in the Chihuahua desert reflecting on this writing. This is a rich place to let your words sink slowly into the parched places of our souls. So grateful for your thoughts and their timeliness for us.
Thank you. This is something that, even if you “know,” you need reminding of—often.
I so loved your post and after reading so many “intelligentsia” type posts about theology it was so refreshing! Thank you for giving me hope.
Gorgeous post. And great compliment to the last one. "To struggle to transcend any idol is to touch the sacred hunger God has given us." I'm going to write this down and carry it around in my pocket today. I remember when I was a teen trying to make sense of the first beatitude---being "poor in spirit---and how could being poor in anything be a blessing? At some point I came to the conclusion that what Jesus was talking about was this "sacred hunger." Maybe he didn't mean that. Maybe he meant something else entirely. But it made that beatitude make sense for me, and it's how I've lived with it ever since. Thanks, too, for mentioning Etty. She has been a huge influence on my life (in fact, I'm trying to think of a thesis topic that would involve her). I've been reading her journals and letters for years. When I finish, I just begin again. There's so much there. She was, and is, such a gift.
Glad to hear of your appreciation of Etty Hillesum. It would be amazing to see a thesis integrating her thoughts and experience.
Susan and I are watching a slow sunset in the Chihuahua desert reflecting on this writing. This is a rich place to let your words sink slowly into the parched places of our souls. So grateful for your thoughts and their timeliness for us.
A lovely picture - and happy anniversary ☺️