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Getting Grounded

1/30/2017

1 Comment

 
This morning, I read stories in the newspaper about President Trump’s executive order stopping immigration from certain countries, the misery his order has caused, and the outrage it has generated. I recognize that our nation has legitimate security concerns. I also believe that we have a moral obligation to offer what support we can to refugees, and that the rights of green-card holders and foreign students should be respected. I don’t know what the right balance between these competing imperatives is. Neither, apparently, do the people in power.
 
My emotional reaction to these events is twofold: (1) I get discouraged and retreat into my private world; or (2) I get angry and caught up in political wrangling. Neither reaction strikes me as appropriate or good. Somehow I need to (1) stay engaged (2) without falling into bitter cynicism or partisan hostility.
 
The Christian tradition has much-needed wisdom to offer on this point. In his own ministry, Jesus went out into the world teaching and healing as needed. And Jesus retreated for times of prayer, sometimes alone and sometimes with his closest followers. What I need to find is my own rhythm of activity in the world on the one hand and disciplined spiritual practice on the other.
 
Activism without a spiritual grounding can easily become bitter and uncompromising. Spiritual practices that are not balanced by action in the world can easily become irrelevant and escapist. Together, the two make it possible for us to stay engaged and to stay grounded at the same time.
 
Personally I tend more towards spiritual practice, so my challenge is to stay engaged in the broader world. But as part of my contribution, I hope to encourage others to develop a spiritual practice if they do not already have one. We all need to stay grounded, to stay connected to God, as we do whatever it is that we do. How else can we keep going?

1 Comment
Sue O'Hare
1/30/2017 10:01:00 pm

When I get caught up in what's happening politically and otherwise in the world, I find it very hard to keep myself grounded in my spiritual practice at the same time. I seem to go to reacting about something first and then start to calm myself down with my spiritual practice. I just can't seem to get them both to happen at the same time... I'm beginning to sound repetitive. Jude had told me what a great sermon you gave yesterday so I checked it out (and he was right) and then went on to reading blogs.
Thanks for doing this!

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    Fr. Harvey Hill

    This blog is my occasional reflections on life, God, Christian faith, and the Church. I hope you find it helpful!

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  • Welcome
  • About Us
    • 2020 Vision >
      • Thoughts for 2020
      • Back to Basics
      • Financial Stewardship
    • Our History
    • Our Beliefs
    • Our Facility >
      • Building Rental
    • Our Library
    • Testimonies
    • Leadership
    • Dove Tale Newsletter
    • Military Veterans
    • Safe Church Policy
    • Episcopal Diocese of W Mass
    • Contact
  • Worship
    • Services
    • Sermons
    • Holy Sacraments
    • Parish Prayer Cycle
    • Labyrinth
    • Bishop's Word
    • Diocesan Cycle of Prayer
    • Country Prayer List
  • Events
    • Community Suppers
    • Episcopal Relief & Development
    • Fun & Fellowship
    • Grandparents Playgroup
    • Lent Madness 2018
    • Photos
  • Ministries
    • Adult Education
    • Caregivers Ministry
    • Community Outreach
    • Healing Ministry
    • Music Ministry
    • Women's Ministry
    • Youth Ministry
  • Blog
  • Donate