Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
Lesson 3: How does God see me?
In this lesson, we see that all too often when we focus on the injustice, the pain inflicted upon us, rather than looking to Jesus for inner healing, we allow the guilt and pain to overwhelm us and consume us. This is much like a drowning person who does not allow the rescuer to save him, but often drowns the rescuer along with him in his panic.
This session calls for us to look to Jesus, to keep our eyes focussed on him, instead of allowing our own guilt and pain to overwhelm us and drown us.
Key Verses: Hebrews 13:5; Deuteronomy 31:6
God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (NIV)
Quote from the movie: "Keep your eyes on me." -Jesus
Also read: Matthew 14:22-33, In this story of Jesus walking on the water to his disciples, Peter jumps out of the boat to walk on the water as Jesus was doing. Suddenly, Peter looks away from Christ and allows his fear to cause him to sink. What does Jesus do?
Up until now, Mack's only real relationship with God and Christianity was through his alcoholic father who forced Mack to memorize Bible verses while he beat Mack for "being bad."
The Shack becomes the "location" for the inner battle within Mack. It is the "place" where he rages against God and finally comes to see that he (Mack) is the mess. This is a powerful story of inner healing through the grace of God.
What is significant about Sarayu (the Holy Spirit) saying to Mack, "We're not trying to justify anything. We'd like to heal it-if you'd let us"?
What is the difference between justifying pain and healing pain?
Perhaps many of us have inner pain or guilt which we may deal with by raging at others. This story opens to us the opportunity to consider that God would like to work with us to heal that pain. Now, read again:
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
How does this fit your understanding of God and your relationship with God?
This Epiphany Season, may the eyes of our hearts not be so blinded by the pain of loss that we miss the opportunity to have an "Epiphany", an Awakening, to the presence of God with us when we most need God to be with us.
I would love to hear from any of you, but especially from those who will not be able to join our class in person.
Reflect on your own spiritual journey.
Read, Pray, Reflect. Then, Come and Share!
Since I post this study on Face Book as well as the St Jerome's website, I invite comments and questions from any of you who are not able to be physically with us, but find this study meaningful and would like to be a part of it. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected].
Bless you all,
Fr Colin Kelly
