Q: What the heck is one supposed to do if one just doesn’t like people and humanity? Seemingly making some progress in my practice, desire closer relationship with God, but can’t get past the stupidity, smallness, greed, ignorance of most people, or the self-destructiveness of the race? How can anyone love this sorry lot?
A: Life unfolds in the eyes of the beholder. You are absolutely right – it is far from a perfect world. Let’s say you continue on with these observations and attitudes for the next five years. Nothing will really change, except perhaps you will get more frustrated and despairing of the human condition.
To paraphrase a song, “stop in the name of Love,” not reason. Cherish the people you love and bring patience and forgiveness to at least a few other people. Start a ripple effect in the world around you.
Your practices will begin to help you let go of the old ways and make room for the new you. As you are transformed by the Spirit of God within, so will the world around you transform. These two theological principles of Contemplative Outreach speak to some of the fruits of an ongoing commitment to consenting to God’s presence and action within us:
Through the continuing practice of Centering Prayer, we experience a deepening commitment to the needs and rights of each member of the human family and an increasing respect for the interdependence of all creation.
We foster a spirit of unity, generosity and utmost charity in all our relationships.
Try it for 30 days and let me know what happens.
Trusting,
Fr Carl
