Holy Curiosity
Dan Gregory of Edina, MN, USA
The Lord said to Moses: Write these words; in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.
Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. Afterwards all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. -Exodus 34:27, 29-32
The curiosity Jesus exhibits never ceases to amaze me. Time after time, he metaphorically pulls up a chair when he meets a new person and says, “Tell me about you.” And he listens. He asks questions. He never tells anyone their experience is invalid. His curiosity extends to “I wonder if…” as he invites them forward, but his only demands are to those who think they have it all figured out already.
Holy curiosity is challenging. It’s disruptive. It requires discipline.
And it’s redemptive.
Because sometimes, if we listen long enough, if we’re curious enough to learn the how and why behind the who, we can reach breakthroughs. We can establish pathways of thinking that hadn’t been possible before. We can invite curiosity in others and nurture it into a better way forward.
How do we develop healthier questions? How do we place ourselves in positions to listen with our hearts? How do we pull up chairs and say, “Tell me about you”?
Curiosity: Pass It On.
Prayer Phrase
Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?
Spiritual Practice
Breathing God’s Compassion
Light a candle and sit quietly, reflecting on the fire and light of God. Pay attention to your breathing and let it become calmer and deeper as you focus on God’s presence. Ask God to breathe in you. Image each breath carrying the light of God into your lungs, bloodstream, and every cell in your body until God’s Spirit fills you. Now imagine breathing out God’s compassion and grace each time you exhale. Pray to have the Spirit of Christ radiate from your life like the gentle flame of a candle.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
