This is the first time I've been troubled by a post at this excellent blog. Statements like "When I see God, I see myself" and "there is only one gaze, one knowing" are only a short step away from "In my heart, I know that God affirms me in whatever I want to do." It is so easy in these times to feels that we are like gods. It is the ultimate temptation. From your other posts I know that you recognize this, but if someone only read this post he might be misled.
Thanks, Mark. I can certainly see what you are saying. Satan's lie is subtle. He takes part of the truth and blows it out of proportion. Jesus insisted he was One with the Father, and it was taken for blasphemy. However, it doesn't make it less true. He is One with the Father. What his accusers didn't get was later formulated in the Creed, namely that the Three Persons of the Trinity are one but cannot be merged. Jesus is one with God but Jesus is not the Father. The three Persons of the Trinity are totally separate and yet totally one at the same time. This paradox is essential. If we say, I am one with God but don't see any differences, we depart from the Truth. If we say we are separate from God and are not one with Him, we also depart from the Truth. If we keep both, we are spot on. But this "keeping" is not simply propositions in my head but a vibrant experience that Meister Eckhart talked about.
Thank you Eugene
Once again just where my foot needed its next stepping stone
There is a lovely English story which perfectly mirrors the Eckhart bringing it into the realm of the glorious Ordinary
A Vicar noticed an elderly man could be found each day sat quietly in his church
After some time he finally enquired what was it that drew the man back each day
He said, “Oh, I just sit here and smile at God, and God smiles back at me”
It’s enough :)
Thanks, Erik! I heard this story from an orthodox priest, Antoniy of Surozh who served in London.
Deep but I love it!
Thanks!
Yes, yes, yes.
I earned my crow's feet around my eyes by 25. Lots of time looking to the distance. I still need it today.
You must have had a meaningful life experience!
Running, sailing, skiing, biking. Lots of time looking to the horizon.
This is the first time I've been troubled by a post at this excellent blog. Statements like "When I see God, I see myself" and "there is only one gaze, one knowing" are only a short step away from "In my heart, I know that God affirms me in whatever I want to do." It is so easy in these times to feels that we are like gods. It is the ultimate temptation. From your other posts I know that you recognize this, but if someone only read this post he might be misled.
Thanks, Mark. I can certainly see what you are saying. Satan's lie is subtle. He takes part of the truth and blows it out of proportion. Jesus insisted he was One with the Father, and it was taken for blasphemy. However, it doesn't make it less true. He is One with the Father. What his accusers didn't get was later formulated in the Creed, namely that the Three Persons of the Trinity are one but cannot be merged. Jesus is one with God but Jesus is not the Father. The three Persons of the Trinity are totally separate and yet totally one at the same time. This paradox is essential. If we say, I am one with God but don't see any differences, we depart from the Truth. If we say we are separate from God and are not one with Him, we also depart from the Truth. If we keep both, we are spot on. But this "keeping" is not simply propositions in my head but a vibrant experience that Meister Eckhart talked about.
Spot on- SO good…. Thanks again, Eugene!
Thanks, Wayne!