“The one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” (Luke 7:47)
Ken Sehested
Inasmuch as we are healed,
we become healers;
as graced,
we become agents of the same;
as experiencing mercy,
we become merciful.
Inasmuch as we are forgiven,
we become forgiving;
as loved,
we radiate as much;
as encouraged,
we become
agents of encouragement;
as illumined,
we become illuminators.
As Augustine said,
We imitate whom we adore.
We do so not as obliged by moral rigor
or pious ordinance
or ritual compliance;
not as a bargaining for divine favor.
We do so not as an investment
from which we expect profitable return;
not as patronage in exchange for loyalty
or the promise of a “tip”
in exchange for privileged service.
No, none of these.
We channel these virtues,
as Kahlil Gibran expressed,
“as in yonder valley the myrtle
breathes its fragrance into space,”
in the same way our autonomous nervous systems
keep us breathing without conscious effort,
without intention,
regardless of whether awake or sleeping
or not paying attention.
We do these things “for nothing.”
Nothing,
because we have what we need,
because no harm can separate,
no threat, intimidate;
no peril, disquiet or desecrate;
no fear can infiltrate the heart’s resolve
or the mind’s warrant despite
the world’s dithering distress.
Such spiritual practice, over time,
with trial and error, never perfectly,
prompted by something akin
to “muscle memory,” the proper response
needed at the proper time,
in the proper way, without calculation,
and with all due humility,
not to mention patience and forbearance,
simply because this is who we are . . .
or who we are becoming.
We respond—a bit,
then a measure more,
and more still—to the beauty
of that which is true,
that which is just,
that which is honorable,
that which is commendable
(cf. Philippians 4:8)
and are saved
reconciled,
made whole, salvaged,
regenerated to the degree
we become reconcilers.
Inasmuch as our lives reflect creation’s
Intention,
so shall we then be reckoned in its
Fruition.
