A Paradigm (Revised)

This paradigm uses a Celtic Cross as a setting for understanding how some of the key elements of Christian spirituality relate. In the image one should first note that the background is “Grace” which is placed there intentionally as a constant reminder that all of the Christian life is lived in the air of grace. As we fumble our way towards a more holistic life we enjoy the repeated opportunities of Grace.

There is no real starting point in the illustration as we do not have the privilege of engaging in parts of the Christian life one at a time. We are thrown in, like children into a pool, to learn to swim as we go. So, without a starting point I will begin at the bottom with Sabbath.

In this particular version of the paradigm, Sabbath creates the roots that keep the individuals life “grounded.” Our time of Sabbath rest can inspire us in our work and propel us toward outward displays of the inward reality of our faith. As we live active lives we often come to places of Surrender (Emptying) where we must come to grips with the things that are hinder us in the race. Surrender leads us into depth of thought as we consider life without those things with which we have been attached. Thought (Contemplation) often cannot move us toward Action (work) without a stop for Sabbath (Filling). With all of this in mind, I realize that others may find themselves rooted in Action or Contemplation. In either case the entire cross could be rotated to allow the roots to grow from that particular arm.

All of this takes place around the four keys of Presence, Awareness, Suffering, and Silence. Sabbath rest helps us become present to God’s presence. In our action we become aware of places where both the World, and our own lives are not “right”. Surrender often takes the form of suffering. And thought is given room to grow through silence.

As we move toward the center we realize that all of this is held in tension between outward expressions of our faith (Hospitality) and the inward reality of our faith (Solitude). Arrows give us the idea of a spinning movement which naturally would cause each of the ends of the cross (Sabbath/filling, Action/work, Surrender/emptying, and Contemplation/thought) to have an outward pull (notice the arrows pointing outward). But our movement must be towards the center (the true self) and against the pulling of imbalance. Too much emphasis on any one side creates instability. The center is the only place where the tension is relieved through balance.

The center is the true self and living in that reality is a Divine gift. Living out of our true self is not something for which we work harder. Hard work may lead us closer in various ways, but ultimately living out of the true self is “life in the Spirit” which is a gift we receive from God not based on merit.

James Finley describes it this way, "Merton once told me to quit trying so hard in prayer. He said: 'How does an apple ripen? It just sits in the sun.' A small green apple cannot ripen in the night by tightening all its muscles, squinting its eyes and tightening its jaw in order to find itself the next morning miraculously large, red, ripe, and juicy beside it's small green counterparts. Like the birth of a baby or the opening of a rose, the birth of the true self takes place in God's time. We must wait for God, we must be awake; we must trust in his hidden action within us." (Merton's Palace of Nowhere, Finley).