Shedding empty materialism to enter the broken spaces of the hurting.
The most challenging area of human life today might be secularism. It pervades every area of our lives. And, sadly, Christians are so enmeshed in it that we cannot be distinguished from non-Christians.
The world is focused on self, whatever is best for me, but Christ calls us to live for the good of others. He challenges us daily to leave it all and follow him, just as he challenged the rich young ruler in Matthew’s gospel. But everything in today’s world seems to be telling us we will never be happy unless we are consuming, enriching self, pushing and shoving our way to the top, and all by our own power and control.
In our society today, there seems to be no higher purpose beyond self-gratification. Love of neighbor is replaced with the striving to one-up the Joneses. Often, being set apart from worldly temptations and desires puts us at odds with those we are closest to. Our call is to be Christ-centered, not self-centered, no matter what the cost.
It is our responsibility, if we call ourselves Christians, to live a life of detachment from the world, even if it does make others uncomfortable. I struggle daily with this reality because, for so long, I believed what I “had” spoke of my worth.
If I was struggling, I would buy a new outfit, or two. Having a nice home, wearing nice clothes, flashing nice jewelry, and marching well-dressed, well-behaved children into Church every Sunday was the life I once adhered to. Never mind that when no one was watching, my life was out of control and I couldn’t have been more miserable.
Every step we take toward the empty promises of this world is a step away from God; away from wholeness and the fullness only he can provide. I’ve certainly had lots of experience getting it wrong!
But here’s what is so amazing about letting go of the lies the world told me for years. I will soon begin ministering with incarcerated women. I feel so blessed to be moving into this space where hurt and brokenness can meet the heart of God! That would never have happened while I was in the midst of my own brokenness. Yet the lessons of my past brought me to this place of compassion for others. Just as Father Richard Rohr tells us:
“Jesus was upset at human pain and suffering. What else do all the healing stories mean? They are half of the Gospel! Jesus did not focus on sin. Jesus went where the pain was. Wherever he found human pain, there he went; there he touched, and there he healed.” Richard Rohr
