"Saul has slain his thousands,
and David his ten thousands." (1 Sam 18:7)
This song is not going to please a king. His position, his respect are threatened. And when threatened, what do people do? Lash out, defend themselves, fear will drive a man to violence and King Saul is no exception, just as i am no exception.
Knowing this, however, i can be aware when this demon raises its ugly head. Being aware, i can choose how i react.
In a homily on today's bible reading of King Saul and young David, of kingship and attachment to power, status and material wealth, i read the following:
The things of this world can be tools or chains. If we use them as our servants, they will be tools. If we let our attachment to them cause us to be afraid at the thought of losing them, they will be chains. Whatever you are attached to: technology, position, getting ‘A’s, a television show, having a certain standard of wealth, a relationship with a person, whatever, do not let the attachment bind you.
What motive lies behind every sin? An attachment that we refused to break. Be stronger than these attachments. Be free, radically free. There is no feeling of power like letting go. Every attachment screams: “You cannot live without me. You will never be happy if you leave me behind.” We know this is a lie. Our happiness does not exist in any of these things. Our happiness is in God. Be ready at all times to cut off an attachment that is preventing you from doing what you ought to do. Sacrifice everything, but be free to follow God. daily homilies
I think the Buddha smiles at this lesson on dhamma, on letting go of attachment and on awareness. Following the path to God is usually not what one expects. Not the easiest road. Not the safest road. But the only road worth following, me thinks.
Oremus:
I pray that through awareness and all the gifts given to me that i may with each step choose to follow God. I pray that He alone will judge me as getting closer to re-union with the divine, coming home. Amen.
Deo gratias.
and David his ten thousands." (1 Sam 18:7)
This song is not going to please a king. His position, his respect are threatened. And when threatened, what do people do? Lash out, defend themselves, fear will drive a man to violence and King Saul is no exception, just as i am no exception.
Knowing this, however, i can be aware when this demon raises its ugly head. Being aware, i can choose how i react.
In a homily on today's bible reading of King Saul and young David, of kingship and attachment to power, status and material wealth, i read the following:
The things of this world can be tools or chains. If we use them as our servants, they will be tools. If we let our attachment to them cause us to be afraid at the thought of losing them, they will be chains. Whatever you are attached to: technology, position, getting ‘A’s, a television show, having a certain standard of wealth, a relationship with a person, whatever, do not let the attachment bind you.
What motive lies behind every sin? An attachment that we refused to break. Be stronger than these attachments. Be free, radically free. There is no feeling of power like letting go. Every attachment screams: “You cannot live without me. You will never be happy if you leave me behind.” We know this is a lie. Our happiness does not exist in any of these things. Our happiness is in God. Be ready at all times to cut off an attachment that is preventing you from doing what you ought to do. Sacrifice everything, but be free to follow God. daily homilies
I think the Buddha smiles at this lesson on dhamma, on letting go of attachment and on awareness. Following the path to God is usually not what one expects. Not the easiest road. Not the safest road. But the only road worth following, me thinks.
Oremus:
I pray that through awareness and all the gifts given to me that i may with each step choose to follow God. I pray that He alone will judge me as getting closer to re-union with the divine, coming home. Amen.
Deo gratias.
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