When we can see the image of God where we don't want to see the image of God, then we see with eyes not our own.
Interpretation
Seeing divinity in unexpected places expands our perspective and empathy.
This quote suggests that true understanding and connection with the divine can be found in the most unlikely situations or people, challenging our biases and preconceived notions. When we learn to perceive the divine presence in all aspects of life, including those we initially reject, we open ourselves to a wider, more compassionate view of the world that transcends our personal limitations.
In practice
This quote can be used in a sermon to encourage people to find God in all aspects of life.
My scientist friends have come up with things like 'principles of uncertainty' and dark holes. They're willing to live inside imagined hypotheses and theories. But many religious folks insist on answers that are always true. We love closure, resolution and clarity, while thinking that we are people of 'faith'! How strange that the very word 'faith' has come to mean its exact opposite.
The gift of darkness draws you to know God’s presence beyond what thought, imagination, or sensory feeling can comprehend.
I cannot illustrate huge differences between male and female spiritualities except in their starting points, style and fascinations along the way. This is significant, however, and has huge pastoral implications: men must be challenged in the world of doing; women must be challenged in the world of relating.
Much of the Christian religion has largely become “holding on” instead of letting go. But God, it seems to me, does the holding on (to us!), and we must learn the letting go (of everything else).
We do not think ourselves into new ways of living, we live ourselves into new ways of thinking.
I've had the good fortune of teaching and preaching across much of the globe, while also struggling to make sense of my experience in my own tiny world.
Peace and not war is the father of all things.
Few of us are satisfied with retreating from the world and just working on ourselves. We want our training to manifest and to be of benefit. The bodhisattva-warrior, therefore, makes a vow to wake up not just for himself but for the welfare of all beings.
Remember, purpose is about giving...All you can do with your life is to give it away in the service of others.
Compassion, in which all ethics must take root, can only attain its full breadth and depth if it embraces all living creatures and does not limit itself to mankind.
My long struggles as a soldier of the Chinese Revolution have forced me to realize the necessity of facing hard facts. There will be neither peace, nor hope, nor future for any of us unless we honestly aim at political, social and economic justice for all peoples of the world, great and small.
No, I'm not interested in politics. I have zero interest. I have interest in hope and people.
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