Arrested in the Spirit

Mountain flowers, growing in spite of snow all around them.

I think sometimes our spiritual life becomes arrested. I think that happens when we get 'stuck' with an idea, a phrase, a concept. We cling to it, and become its defender. We become aggressive if challenged, and refuse to think differently, to even allow another possible thought on the subject to enter into our minds. I think such states are to be pitied.

The gospel of Matthew has Jesus saying  I have come not to abolish [the law and the prophets] but to fulfill. (9:17). We tend to think of these words literally, as fulfilling prophecy, and that is true. But he has come for more. He has come to fulfill our own desires for wholeness, for meaning, and for destiny. He shows us how by assisting our search in finding God in every situation and event. To do that, we can't close our hearts to others. Otherwise, we become "stuck" in our mode. We are limiting God's ability to enlighten us in this situation, this event, this distress.

To be open is to be courageous. It requires an immense amount of faith and trust. And it requires a frequent inner eye of reflection to take stock. Best of all, being open makes us gentle, compassionate, and forgiving.