It is hard to embrace change and much harder to initiate it. Yet, change is necessary to find our true self and God. Without letting change change us, we remain stubborn and childish in our emotional and spiritual ways. We need to consciously make space for change in our journey of spiritual and psychological growth. To cease to change is to cease to exist and to be closed to God who is ever new.
If we do not make space for change then our growth becomes stunted and even dangerous. Richard Rohr states that if change and growth are not programmed into our spirituality then we can be driven by fear and fanaticism; our religion will always end up worshiping the status quo and protecting our present ego position and personal advantage, as if it were God![1] Change is necessary to find God and to know what God truly wants for our lives. We need to shed the hard shells of our rigidity and our arrogance that what we know and do is absolutely right, and therefore, no change is required. Resistance to change is often rooted in our ego and not in God.
Resistance to change is common. Ken Wilber says that most of us are only willing to call five percent of our present information into question at any point, and that is on a particularly good day. Unfortunately, stronger resistance to change can be found in people who have long years of religious background. People caught up in rigidity, self-righteousness, and the status quo tend to “love the past more than the future or the present.[2] To be truly spiritual means to be flexible, compassionate, and open to every new moment with curiosity.
The path of spiritual transformation is the path of constant change. To be open to change is to be open to the present, the new, and the God who hides in the change.
We do change in life. Maybe its a slow gradual process. When I look at my life 20, 30 years back and what I am today, definitely theres a change. But, yes it does take courage to change; but the result is always good when transformation takes place in your life. Thanks for the beautiful article
ReplyDeleteGood reflection
ReplyDeleteA perfect writing for this time in our lives at St. Joseph Parish in York, PA. as we say goodbye to our Franciscan priests and 44 year old ministry. A very difficult time for our faith community. These words Father John gives are inspiring and healing. I will hold them in my soul as I pray for the Franciscans and our incoming priests Fathe Kyle and Father Perter.
ReplyDeleteYes change is always beautiful and it should begin from me. At the same time it's difficult.
ReplyDeleteAs I understand the change you are talking about is change to become better version of ourselves. There some changes that come to us naturally and we have no much choice. But definitely conscious efforts to improve ourselves is an important part of our spiritual journey. Thanks for the beautiful article.
ReplyDeleteThank you for these insights, Father John. You are so wise.
ReplyDeleteYour reflection on change is wise and inspiring. To be open to the needs of the time and place is a wonderful quality. With lots of appreciation and love ,p.a.joseph ofm cap
ReplyDeletejponnan@gmail.com
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