Reading: The Path of Power (p 21-49).
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Thanks to each of you for joining the vibrant group of seekers forming this spirit-filled community. We had a wonderful first week of warm introductions and sharing. It is a great joy to reconnect with previous participants and to welcome many others joining us for the first time. Thanks to each of you for your contributions—whether you actively post comments or follow our discussion silently. We are all blessed simply by your presence.
Henri’s essay The Path of Power is thought provoking and, perhaps, transformational. Please feel free to share whatever came up for you through your reflection on the readings. You may also choose to respond to some of the questions below:
1. In describing power that oppresses and destroys Henri writes, “God knows the agony and anguish we have brought upon ourselves by wanting to take our destiny in our own hands and lord it over others.” (p 25) Taking it a step further he says, “The most insidious, divisive, and wounding power is used in the service of God.” (p 28)
a) Cite one or more events in in history, in our world today, or in your own life where someone has used power to “lord it over others”? What did you learn from the event that can guide us on our spiritual journey home?
b) What is your reaction to Henri’s criticism of “the devastating influence of power in the hands of God’s people”?
2. Henri writes that our loving God confronted the evil in the world and showed us his divine mercy through powerlessness. “In Jesus of Nazareth, the powerless God appeared among us to unmask the illusion of power, to disarm the prince of darkness who rules the world, and to bring the divided human race to a new unity.” (p 31)
a) How does Jesus bring us to rest in the intimacy of God? Can you share your experience of God’s intimacy?
b) How does Jesus’ life of beatitude bring “the divided human race to a new unity”? What does this mean in your life today?
3. In describing the power of God’s love, Henri writes, “A theology of weakness challenges us to look at weakness… as a total and unconditional dependence on God that opens us to be true channels of the divine power that heals the wounds of humanity and renews the face of the earth.” (p 40)
a) How do you respond to Henri’s challenge to look at weakness as dependence on God that renews the face of the earth?
b) How do you live as a witness to a powerless God and help to build the kingdom of love and peace?
I’m looking forward hearing from many of you and to a rich and rewarding discussion. New joiners are always welcome, and, of course, feel free to share whatever comes up for you in the readings or to follow along silently.
Peace and all good.
Ray