A spirituality that pulls me deeper and deeper into my self,
further immersed in self absorption,
is a wolf in sheep’s clothing,
a danger to the flock and the Gospel,
a hypocrite in a world in need of truth,
a fraud seeking only self interest,
Devouring the poor, weak, and vulnerable
with my complacency
my lack of empathy
my inaction.
This is not so much a harsh critique
as an invitation for more,
to expand my horizons
and deepen my commitment,
to question my complacency
and call me beyond my small self.
A spirituality alive with the spirit,
must propel me outward in service.
A servant for justice and mercy,
a prophet of compassion and action,
a worker in plain clothing,
willing to risk the comfortable
to seek those on the margins
provide shelter to those under attack
and seek out those left behind and forgotten.
Spirituality breaks my heart open
to the suffering of the world
Not closing itself up in consolation or concepts,
but rather living through loving.
Cultivating conscientiousness as much as contemplation,
and a holy discontent and intolerance for injustice,
seeking social work as much as spiritual worship.
For fullness and freedom are found
not in escape but immersion,
not in grasping but in giving,
not in fear or discouragement but in faith.
Not Faith I believe in but that I live out.
