Thursday, February 18, 2010

Balancing Between Opposites: Activity and Receptivity

Our spiritual lives are a constant interplay, a dynamic process. At the heart of this dynamic interplay are several interdependent pairs of seeming “opposites,” such as activity/receptivity, consolation/desolation, and detachment/attachment, which are, in fact, mutually interdependent.

- Kay Northcutt, Kindling Desire for God, 103

Activity is how we shape the world. We mold, influence, nudge, suggest, and close the sale. We build and plant, teach and learn, tear down and raise up. Our identity is tied up in activity. As soon as we meet someone, we want to know what they do. What would today be like if you considered part of your activity to be sacred? What would the day be like if some of your “doings” were dedicated to God? Active spiritual practices include visiting the sick, clothing the naked, feeding the hungry, and working for justice. They also include singing in the choir, attending meetings, setting up potluck dinners, and writing birthday cards for your parish group. Shape the world today, as you usually do, but also shape it in the image of God.

Receptivity is how we see the world. We observe, listen, watch, taste, touch and smell. But we are receptive not only with our physical senses; we also open our minds and spirits, becoming receptive to insights, epiphanies, and revelations. It can be hard to receive instead of do. What would today be like if you sharpened your spiritual nerve endings and became more receptive to the holiness around you? Receptive spiritual practices include contemplative prayer, lectio divina, devotional reading, silence, fasting, prayer groups, and labyrinth walking. Be receptive to the world today, not only with your physical senses but also open with the eyes and mind of God.

Along the way, I wish you God’s peace for today’s stage of your Lenten spiritual journey. May Christ’s companionship bless you with confidence for the day, comfort you in trouble, and put a spring of joy in your step.

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