Directions for Growth

The texts from the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, in the Roman Catholic Lectionary, at first glance, may seem to be suggesting the dual thinking that Richard Rohr warns can only stunt spiritual development. In fact, the tension between the blessing of poorness in spirit and attachment to material things, ego and status is the space we find ourselves in. The abandonment of direction from the indwelling Spirit and the failure to ponder the ancient theme and mystery of reconciliation of Creature and Creator will leave us spiritually impoverished. The texts declare some of the benchmarks in our relationship with the Divine. We can sense where we are and the nature of the goals we seek.