Richard Rohr has written that, “The whole point of religion is to let you know that what you’re drawing upon is already planted within you.” And I retype those words fully aware that, for many, the whole problem with the idea of God — that which is already planted within them — is, in fact, the whole religion part. The challenge of modern faith, it seems, has become for many the problem of finding God in organized religion because organized religion (of all different sorts and sects) has often let so many people down.
God can certainly be found in religion and religious practices, just as God can be found in quiet moments of solitude and prayer, in walks through the woods and in times of joy and ecstasy as we experience glimpses of God in art, nature, loving relationships with others, in the poor and in the sacramental moments of our own religion, if we have one of those.
But what’s most crucial, it seems, is that we don’t flip-flop the equation. We don’t draw upon what’s planted within us to find religion; we draw upon religion to find what’s planted within us. Even that well-worn phrase, “he’s found religion,” seems to be missing the point. It’s not religion God wants us to have but rather the deeply found relationship of looking within ourselves and finding God there waiting for us, so deeply implanted that we might not even have seen him there…nurturing, gently leading, making our lives richer and fuller and whole.
To give up on a religion that has let us down — or that never attracted us in the first place because of the imperfect people who make up that religion — makes perfect sense, it seems. Gandhi once said: “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”
If we are Christians, it’s our call then to look inside to find this deeply planted God, to resurrect in our lives what it means to be like Christ, and present that to world when it comes looking for a reason for our faith. Maybe they will even come to like our religion. It’s on us, not them.
Ask yourself in silence: What’s most deeply planted in my life?
I am much more attuned to what is planted within me because of Fr. Richard Rohr. It began with his book “Falling Upwards” and has continued since then with several more of his books and his daily meditation. It works with my Catholic faith and I am so very grateful that I have that as a constant.
Oftentimes, I find that when I have the clarity to look at what has taken root deeply within me and my life, the next challenge is to discern what needs nurturing and what need pruning. It’s often a struggle and perhaps one of the reasons why some have difficulty looking within themselves in the first place. It’s a challenge – and one that I can not do without the benefit of a meaningful relationship with God – and some timely inspiration from you Steve! Thanks!
Awesome Job! Well Said my Friend… Many Thanks!
Thanks, Lar…