We near the end of The Reed of God
with only one chapter left after this week. This book has been such a treasure and is full of beautiful wisdom. 
Chapter 11 begins with the age-old question of why the Lord allows suffering. She specifically notes several examples of suffering and ponders why it exists. She writes, "If we understood the courtesy of God, we should not be scandalized by the grief of the world: not, indeed, that God has caused all these evils, or that He wills them, but that He has hallowed them" (Reed of God, pg. 165). She goes on to note that Christ is the light of the world and, as she has explained in the last few chapters, we are constantly charged to seek Him.I was stunned by her noting that, "even in sinners He is there in the Tomb, lying dead, awaiting and desiring resurrection" (Reed of God, pg 167). Later she states, "We should never come to a sinner without the reverence that we would take to the Holy Sepulchre" (Reed of God, pg. 170). The topic of judging has been on my mind often lately (I plan to blog about it soon!) and I couldn't help but wonder if we approached our fellow sinners with the reverence that she speaks of, would we have a better understanding of loving the sinner and hating the sin? Would Christians be accused of arrogance and unfair judgement if we saw sinners as those waiting the freedom of the resurrection? Especially as Houselander points out that even Christ fell under the weight of His heavy Cross. "He is under the heavy Cross in those who have fallen under the load of debt, loneliness, shame, hardship, temptation" (Reed of God, pg. 171).
This is beautiful, beautiful, beautiful imagery and a call to love and Truth. We MUST love our sisters and brothers enough to stand up for the Truth- even when it is hard. We must offer freedom to them. They deserve better! (Note- I'm also in need of this freedom and want friends who love me enough to tell me when I'm being weighed down by sin.) More on this topic coming soon.
4 comments:
Thanks for sharing her great reflection. "Loving the sinner and hating the sin," starting with the courage to look in the mirror at our own susceptibility to falling really hit home on the retreat this weekend. Still, it's so hard not to look at others according to our own status and standards, and instead see them as a fellow beloved of Christ who we are just as much imperfect as in the eyes of God. The imagery of Christ in the tomb will definitely help with that.
I love that quote!!
I did read this when you originally posted, but haven't had time to write my comments until now.
I too highlighted the part about coming to the sinner with the reverence that we would take to the Holy Sepulchre.
I didn't have much highlighting otherwise in this chapter except at the end when she says (p177) "If proof were wanting that she is Christ's church, none could be surer that this." I just kind of had a question mark on this one. I feel like this is describing Mary as the end-all-be-all and it makes me uncomfortable.
I guess I'm still having trouble with the emphasis on devotion to Mary. As you said initially at the beginning of the study -- (in my words) I have no problems saying that she is holy and giving credit that she had a very, very special role in our salvation, etc. However, I still find that I feel awkward about being devoted to her. I only feel comfortable doing that with Jesus - I was hoping this book would shed more light for me on devotion to Mary and give me a tangible way to do so in a way I would feel comfortable with. This hasn't really happened happened for me.
I too really liked the image of "even in sinners he is lying dead in the tomb" (167). Hopefully, it will give me pause when I am quick to judge/condemn others.
And in response to MB comment, I totally understand her plight in regards to the devotion to Mary. I did find some answers in Houslander's words on p. 177 "The Christhood that she recongnises in us is that we are her children: 'Mother behold your child'. This is the most wonderful trust of all, which Christ has given to us, to be Himself to Our Lady. He has actually given His love for her into our keeping. We are trustees of His love in our love for one another, He has given us His heart to give to the Bride of Life.
So, not only are we entrusted with Christ's love for Mary...I also find tremendous comfort in knowing that Christ entrusted us to Mary as well with those same words "Mother, behold your child."
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