Many implications can be found in a simple laborer achieving sainthood: Physical labor has dignity; sainthood does not stem from status; contemplation does not depend on learning; the simple life is conducive to holiness and happiness. Perhaps the truth which emerges is this: If you have your spiritual self in order, your earthly commitments will fall into order also. “[S]eek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness,” said the carpenter from Nazareth, “and all these things will be given you besides” (Matthew 6:33).
Author Archives: A. J. Reichel
Right Thinking
I suppose, in the beginning, there is holiness. Sure seems like a likely frame of reference, a good place to start and a good place to end. Any conversation about God wouldn’t be complete without a word on paradoxical thinking. Webster’s dictionary tells us that a paradox is a self-contradictory statement and, hence, false. I say it is a self-contradictory statement and, hence, both true and false. I say, God is the sum of infinite.
I suppose, right thinking would also include dichotomy. Webster tells us dichotomy is a division into two mutually exclusive or contradictory groups or entities, such as theory and practice or thought and action. But on examination, I find dichotomy not exclusive, more symbiotic. I think dichotomy is better understood as, form and content, formative and transformative. To broadcast this into theology; gospel and the effects of gospel, knowing God and knowing about God. Catholicism teaches that there is one rich, dense and complex reality; a very practical solution to a seemly perplexing dilemma.
So what is right Christian thinking? Viewing the Gospel in the best possible light. See the Bible as a library, not just a book. Knowing love is willing the good of others. Imitating Christ by praying our life is a blessing to everyone. Knowing God, and learning about God. Carrying our cross and thinking the truth in our hearts. Being holy.
Jesus knew we could not carry our cross. He knew the process would be to try and fail and try some more. He knew the process leads everyone to give it up to Him. Jesus knew the result would be to ask us to carry His cross; because “my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” The Bible tells us Jesus is the truth, (the light and the way) which is a timeless truth and is all things to all people at all times. And there lies dichotomy and the destruction of paradox.
About Liberals
Let’s talk about Liberals; they seem to have a thread of reality which weaves the process of becoming more enlighten with some vision of a Utopia. The argument seems to rest on the idea that if we somehow legislate, regulate and mandate some of the elements of greatness we will be great. Granted everyone wants to rise above the human condition, as we look upon this fallen and broken world, we realize surely there is a better way. And there is.
You know, we have all heard the argument against God. How God could let something evil happen or why didn’t God do something to stop a tragedy. Well the obvious answer is He did something to stop the madness, He made us. But too many people gave the work to the government to do, or the schools or the Boy Scouts or who ever they decided could better handle the responsibilities. More often than not, when asked what they, as liberals are doing to raise us humans above our humanity, the answer you’ll get is; I’m raising awareness. Good thing you can raise awareness while you are sitting on your hands or nothing would be getting done.
It seems to me that Jesus didn’t put and end to slavery. If the world doesn’t want slavery, then the world should end it. Jesus didn’t put an end to foreign wars. If the world doesn’t want foreign wars, then the world should put an end to it. If the world doesn’t want hungry people, then feed the people. The truth is always simple, seldom easy.
Justice
Justice does not describe GOD. Grace, Mercy and Unconditional Love points to the description of GOD. Justice is a man-made quality. It is a product of a civil ologyism system that man imposes on men. I believe when a man turns his back to GOD and leaves the path of righteousness, at the end of his path, and by the hands of other men, he will find their justice. God’s justice is judgment.