CHALLENGE OF TRUTH

Mary van Balen, author and spiritual director, writes,
“We are often afraid of the truth. Rather than experiencing it as a way to experiencing a deeper reality, we see it as something that up ends our world, threatens our sense of security, and even our sense of self. We have found a comfortable place to “fit in,” and we don’t want anyone or anything to disturb it. It’s how we make sense of the world.

Jesus brought the challenge of truth with him and he certainly disturbed the religious status quo of his time. Many church leaders and officials didn’t see how they would fit in to his worldview. They had narrowed their vision to see the world through their lenses of laws and rituals and understanding of history that made sense to them and that assured their place in it. Jesus and his truth were a threat and, as we observe on Good Friday, he was murdered for it.”

I don’t particularly see a current progression that is not often steeped in “laws and rituals” of religion to produce a “fit in” worldview. What Jesus taught, thought and brought will always disturb the religious status quo. The Kingdom of God exists to rid us of religion, legalism and law and bring us to relationship.

“The Kingdom of God is within you.” Jesus