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Wisdom Story
"Prisoner at the bar", said the Grand Inquisitor, "you have been charged with encouraging people to break with the laws, traditions and customs of our holy religion. How do you plead?"
"Guilty, Your Honour"
"And with frequenting the company of heretics, prostitutes, public sinners, the extortionist tax-collectors, the colonial conquerors of our nation - in short, the ex-communicated. How do you plead?"
"Guilty, Your Honour"
"Finally, you are charged with revising, correcting, calling into question the sacred tenets of our faith. How do you plead?"
"Guilty, Your Honour"
"What is your name, prisoner?"
"Jesus Christ, Your Honour"
Some people are just as alarmed to see their religion practised as they are to hear it doubted.
*Story and comment by Anthony de Mello.
Wisdom Quote
I tell you, unless you are more right with God than the teachers of the Law and the proud religious law-keepers, you will never get into the holy nation of heaven.
*Matthew 5.20 (NLV)
Suggested Reflection
Do you sometimes feel within the discomfort of questioning assumptions of faith made by those around you? If so, is this doubt a sign of faith or unfaith? Explain your response.
In what ways, if any, are you being called to challenge assumptions of religious faith made by others in your faith group?
What is the difference between being a rebel and a reformer in religious faith?
How does Jesus model faithful nonconformity in the Gospels?
Was Jesus for or against religious tradition? Explain your response.
Is your allegiance first to Christ or the Church? Explain your response.
*Material from Anthony de Mello at www.inspirationalarchive.com .
Brian is available to respond to requests pertaining to seeking a Spiritual Director, his speaking, doing classes, workshops, or retreats for churches or other spiritual groups.
For submission of replies, see below:
*Brian K. Wilcox lives with his wife, Rocio, and their two dogs, St. Francis and Bandit Ty, in Punta Gorda, Florida. He is a United Methodist pastor and vowed member of Greenbough House of Prayer, a contemplative Christian community in Georgia. His passion is living a contemplative life and inspiring others to experience a deeper relationship with Christ through contemplative prayer and living.
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