When we wrestle with God and lose...
Posted by: blewellis <blewellis@...>
There's a wonderful old story -- from Nikos Kazantzakis, I believe --
where someone asks the
"No," Makarios says, "he's grown too old and weak for me. I wrestle with God."
"You wrestle with God? And you hope to win?
"No," Makarios responds, "I hope to lose."
Years ago I used to combine this story in my preaching with another
illustration from my then four and two year old boys. After watching
Olympic track and field events on TV, they conducted their own races
in the family room. The four-year-old, of course, won every time. As
he crossed the finish line he held his arms up in imitation of the
Olympic stars and shouted, "I won. I won." The two-year-old, running
behind him, apparently thought celebration was part of the ritual.
He, too, held his arms up and shouted, "I lost! I lost!"
When we wrestle with God and lose, we have reason to celebrate.
Thanks.
Bill
***************** *****************
Bill Lewellis, Communication Minister/Editor, Diocese of Bethlehem
333 Wyandotte Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015 -- 610-691-5655 x229
Be attentive. Be intelligent. Be reasonable. Be responsible. Be in
love. And, if necessary, change. --Bernard Lonergan