The Grace of Humility

In Epiphany the church basks in the light of Divine Love that is revealed in the incarnation of Christ. But even more astonishing is the invitation of the Incarnation, to ourselves become alight with Divine Love as we learn to walk in ways that make for peace and justice. The poet Gerard Manley Hopkins wrote that the just one “justices; keeps grace: that keeps all his goings graces; acts in God’s eye what in God’s eye” they are—Christ. In this series, we set out to explore the “graces” that make for justice: benevolence, humility, attention, and hope. Our conversation partners will be the minor prophets, whose cries for justice are invitations to cultivate characters that will keep all our goings graces.

The Grace of Benevolence

In Epiphany the church basks in the light of Divine Love that is revealed in the incarnation of Christ. But even more astonishing is the invitation of the Incarnation, to ourselves become alight with Divine Love as we learn to walk in ways that make for peace and justice. The poet Gerard Manley Hopkins wrote that the just one “justices; keeps grace: that keeps all his goings graces; acts in God’s eye what in God’s eye” they are—Christ. In this series, we set out to explore the “graces” that make for justice: benevolence, humility, attention, and hope. Our conversation partners will be the minor prophets, whose cries for justice are invitations to cultivate characters that will keep all our goings graces.

Acceptance

This week following Christmas, we hear from Pearl Church member Jen Johnson about the tender work of coming to accept and receive the invitations that arise within the circumstances of our real lives.

Space to Feel Lovelessness & Love

To feel, anything, is to be alive. Feelings are a central part of our humanity. Their significance is clearly attested to in the life of Jesus, the Infinite wrapped in flesh, feeling—happiness, sadness, worry, anger, despair, vulnerability, peace, amazement… Unfortunately, in comparison to thinking, western thought has minimized feelings as insignificant, disgraced them as childish, and devalued them as inferior. Because of this, many of us have inherited a tumultuous relationship with feelings. Throughout Advent, a season marked by longing, we intend to celebrate, embrace, and plumb the depths of a few consequential feelings. Our Advent hope is that come Christmas morning, a gift is born: the incarnation of feelings in our selves, relationships, and life with God.

Space to Feel Sorrow & Joy

To feel, anything, is to be alive. Feelings are a central part of our humanity. Their significance is clearly attested to in the life of Jesus, the Infinite wrapped in flesh, feeling—happiness, sadness, worry, anger, despair, vulnerability, peace, amazement… Unfortunately, in comparison to thinking, western thought has minimized feelings as insignificant, disgraced them as childish, and devalued them as inferior. Because of this, many of us have inherited a tumultuous relationship with feelings. Throughout Advent, a season marked by longing, we intend to celebrate, embrace, and plumb the depths of a few consequential feelings. Our Advent hope is that come Christmas morning, a gift is born: the incarnation of feelings in our selves, relationships, and life with God.