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I will never fully understand God’s grace

Mark Dohle

Well-Known Member
I would like to state, that when I post, I do not mean to preach. If however I am precieved in doing this please let me know. I know that preaching can be offensive, but my faith is so much a part of me that when I write many of them come out like this post. If I get enough feed back, I will cut back on post like these. (Peace Mark)

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I will never fully understand God’s grace

“When you say to Me, ‘Beloved Jesus I give you my entire life,’ do you realize that at the same time I’ve given you more, since even what you are giving Me is what I’ve given you? Admit that everything you have comes from Me. It’s all a gift from Me, not to display My power, not chosen at random, but by My most attentive love—chosen especially for you, My children—for your path in life, in order to help you to reach the goal that is yours. Bossis, Gabrielle.

He and I (Kindle Locations 2321-2324).
Pauline Books and Media. Kindle Edition.

I have come to the conclusion that I will never understand God’s grace. For it is given in such abundance to all who seek, that it can be overlooked, or not taken seriously. There is much in life that does not make sense. There is much tragedy in life, and we are asked to traverse a path that is often chaotic, filled with pain, loss, and confusion, and yes, terrible injustice. The death process, is in itself, as part of the human journey, a source of fear and anxiety.

Yet, “God-With-Us” travels with us, is incarnate in each human being, undergoing the whole drama of each life. God’s love does not allow withdrawal from experiencing the human journey, nor can God hate, or have contempt for anyone. Our Father’s love is based on total freedom, for God is love. It is not something understandable, but as I get older I have at times experienced it…..it is like nothing else.

Because of God’s love, He sees into our hearts deeply, knowing that there are those who ‘freely’ reject that grace and love. How that happens I do not know. I think this final rejection of God’s mercy, and love, as shown in Christ Jesus, happens in a place that is very seldom seen by any one human being.

I can see only the surface of my own inner world, yet God sees me to my depths, and in that I am hopeful. Freedom is a small seed, and as we move ever deeper into our life’s journey, that seed will grow either towards life, or death. God’s love and mercy is not in question, it is our (my) love and openness to God that is the problem. In the end, when I stand before Jesus, the judgement will be the Trinity accepting my choice, either for or against a loving relationship with the Infinite…..true justice is unknown in this world, but before God, all is known, and accepted by both parties. No one is forced away from God, we choose in the depths of our hearts.

How that happens I have no idea. Yet I pray for the salvation of all, and mostly for mine, for as the saying goes: “One day at a time sweet Jesus, one day at a time”. To sin is to do the unloving action, which flows from our thoughts, which are often based on fear, anxiety, as well as a heavy load of pain. It is grace that calls us to have faith and hope, and gives us the power to love in ways that without this grace, we would find impossible. It is a life long journey, or as St. Paul describes it, a race.—Br.MD

 
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metis

aged ecumenical anthropologist
As long as the messages are basically moral, and yours always are, I certainly don't mind being "preached " to. Sometimes I just need to be reminded-- make that "often" instead of "sometimes".

Keep up the good work, my friend.
 

Mark Dohle

Well-Known Member
As long as the messages are basically moral, and yours always are, I certainly don't mind being "preached " to. Sometimes I just need to be reminded-- make that "often" instead of "sometimes".

Keep up the good work, my friend.
Thanks. Always good hearilng from you myi friend.

peace
mark
 

pearl

Well-Known Member
Not preaching at all. I am reminded of Karl Rahner's theology of Grace, everything is Grace.
 

metis

aged ecumenical anthropologist
Not preaching at all. I am reminded of Karl Rahner's theology of Grace, everything is Grace.
Reminds me of the missionary who was traveling through the forest to go to another village when he was confronted by a lion.

He ran and ran but saw that it was to no avail as the lion was rapidly gaining on him, so he knelt down and began to pray. After about two minutes and nothing but quietness, he opened one eye and saw the lion kneeling as well, so he said "Mr. Lion, I'm so happy to see you praying with me!", whereas the lion replied "Shut up, I'm saying grace".
 

Mark Dohle

Well-Known Member
Curious, not a fan of? which would surprise me considering his emphasis on mysticism and grace, or does his idea of 'anonymous Christian' too extreme?
No a fan, but he is way beyond me LOL.......consididered one of the most important theologians of the 20th century......and perhaps beyond that. His ideas of the 'anonymous Christian' resonates with me.

peace
Mark
 

Mark Dohle

Well-Known Member
And me too. But he has written some on a popular level which I enjoyed, 'Christian in the Market Place' and 'Meditation of the Sacraments'.
Yes, he has reached many people, not all high end theologians can do that.

peace
mark
 
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