I really liked Francis De Sales view that you can have unity with God without visions but you cannot have unity without action. The text called it a grounded mysticism, a term I appreciated. A friend posted a question on facebook last night asking whether the gospel is what you believe or what you do. I've been learning lately that the gospel is more what you do. I can show the gospel better than I can say it. Saying it is a lot easier but to actually get it across, to really communicate the love of God, feet must be put to faith. We can preach all we want but until we follow what we say with love, the message isn't going to be truly powerful. Francis sees such living out of love as the third ecstasy that crowns the other two, "It is the ecstasy of work and life."
I have lately been thinking that love cannot be measured out, we cannot really love while expecting something back in return. We must simply love another human soul, put that love into action, and not expect them to equally return the gift. Love cannot be paid and paid back. Love simply is. Love is a feeling, a choice, lived out. It is the strongest force of faith. Reading Francis' thoughts on the subject affirmed my thoughts and encouraged me to keep thinking them.
365-09 #329
(Sorry, too late for photos today.)Labels: 365-09 Challenge, God, Mysticism