Our Daily Light

One of the things that strikes me so much about Julian of Norwich is how she seems to have avoided the trap of spiritual consumerism that so many of us fall into when we have peak religious experiences, of wanting to repeat the excitement and the highs rather than being grateful for what God has … Continue reading Our Daily Light

Nature and Grace Are of One Accord

Yesterday we saw how, in the midst of her first vision (of the blood streaming from Jesus’ head under the crown of thorns), Julian saw the image of all of creation as a sphere no bigger than a hazelnut, from which she concluded that all things are created by God, loved by God, and sustained … Continue reading Nature and Grace Are of One Accord

Everything that is Good (Reprise)

Yesterday, we looked at how Julian of Norwich oriented herself towards her faith and desires. The things she knew were a little weird — wanting to witness Christ’s Passion and a near-fatal illness — she asked for on the condition that God not give them to her if they weren’t good for her; and the … Continue reading Everything that is Good (Reprise)

Growing with Intention: Mysticism and Meditation

Throughout history and across religious traditions around the globe, communities have turned to their mystics and masters as the great exemplars of spirituality. While in our culture today, the Buddha or Hindu gurus might come to mind first when we think about this phenomenon, it has historically been true of Christianity as well, whether East … Continue reading Growing with Intention: Mysticism and Meditation

Being, Following, and Seeing Christ: Putting the Pieces Together

For the past three weeks, we've been looking at the three elements of a multi-perspectival, Integral approach to knowing God. We might think of such a model as being like an atlas. It isn't a map of its own, but is a map of maps, a framework that tries to put all the different maps … Continue reading Being, Following, and Seeing Christ: Putting the Pieces Together