Sacred Relationship
Blair White of South Jordan, UT, USA
When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. -1 Corinthians 2:1-2
We live in a world obsessed with having the right answers. 1 Corinthians reveals that this obsession is not something new. It seems to have been with humanity throughout the ages. Having an answer gives us comfort when it sits right with us. If another’s answer doesn’t fit, we are happy to continue our search until we find the answer we are looking for. This in itself seems to create a paradox. Just because an answer feels right does not make it accurate.
Over the millennia theologians have speculated on the nature of God. Differences of opinion have fractured relationships and built walls of separation within God’s family. In doing so we’ve degraded the diversity, goodness, and value of all of creation, including ourselves.
Having a life of faith, by its very definition, implies living in the midst of the unknown. While the Apostle Paul never encountered Jesus prior to the crucifixion, knowing him as the Crucified was all that was needed. Knowing him as crucified and subsequently risen, while a mystery in itself, becomes a testimony of a grand, mysterious love that renews and reconciles and eradicates the need to know anything more.
As a father I don’t understand all the mysteries of how a fertilized egg becomes a daughter or son, each with a unique personality and giftedness. What I do know is that to meet that newborn for the first time is to know love beyond comprehension.
Perhaps if we spent more time exploring love and what that means for our relationships with the rest of creation, we could shift our attention away from “right thought” into “sacred relationship.” Oh, how I wish I could recall this when I need to express how right I am!
Prayer Phrase
Wherever I am, God is here.
Spiritual Practice
Breathe deeply and prayerfully consider the story you have just read. What is the Spirit’s invitation to you in these words? What does it look like to wake up to God’s presence in this moment?
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.
