The Reverend R. Kevin Daniel sent me this quotation from Father Richard Rohr, a globally recognized ecumenical teacher bearing witness to the universal awakening within Christian mysticism and the Perennial Tradition. He is a Franciscan priest of the New Mexico Province and founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation: We don’t come to God (or truth or love) by insisting on some ideal worldly order or so-called perfection, but in fact we come “to knowledge of salvation by the experience of forgiveness” (Luke 1:77)—forgiveness of reality itself, of others, of ourselves—for being so ordinary, imperfect, and often disappointing. Many also have to forgive God for not being what they wanted or expected. One reason why I am so attracted to Jesus and then to Francis is that they found God in disorder, in imperfection, in the ordinary, and in the real world—not in any idealized concepts. They were more into losing than winning. But the ego does not like that, so we rearranged much of Christianity to fit our egoic pattern of achievement and climbing. Isn’t it strange that Christians worship a God figure, Jesus, who appears to be clearly losing by every criterion imaginable? And then we spend so much time trying to “win,” succeed, and perform. We even call Jesus’ “losing” the very redemption of the world—yet we run from it. I think Christians have yet to learn the pattern of redemption. It is evil undone much more that evil ever perfectly avoided. It is disorder reconfigured in our hearts and minds—much more than demanding any perfect order to our universe. Much of the Christian religion has largely become “holding on” instead of legging go. But God, it seems to me, does the holding on (to us!), and we must learn the letting go (of everything else).
FYI: The Perennial Tradition, to which he refers, encompasses the recurring themes in all of the world’s religions and philosophies that continue to say:
• There is a Divine Reality underneath and inherent in the world of things,
• There is in the human soul a natural capacity, similarity, and longing for this Divine Reality, and
• The final goal of existence is union with this Divine Reality.
If you know me at all, then you know that I do not agree with all of this; however, I do recognize that he makes some statements that are worth pondering, statements that do, indeed, have the ring of truth and others that are true for sure. His quote from the “Benedictus” in Luke 1 caught my eye, and I am confident that I saw something that I have never before seen. I hope you will see it, too.
Grace to you and peace!
Mac

Sometimes, and this is one of them, words are inadequate to describe an event. Let me simply say the He was present and He was not silent! The electricity in the air was electrifying! Maybe this will help you understand: they unanimously invited me to come back in three months. I will, therefore, return. The group will grow because their enthusiasm is contagious.

The Eucharist was powerful. The dipping of the bread for almost everyone was a first-time experience.

Thanks for your prayers. I will be leaving at 11:00 tomorrow (Monday) morning.

Selah!

Yes, it has been a long day (13 hours worth); however, it has been a glorious day. This people in this group have been like sponges and, as they began to see, their enthusiasm for others to see became electric. That familiar question, “Why haven’t I heard this before?” has been asked many times. Even the Roman Catholics in the room are embracing the gospel and seeing the foolishness of confessing to a priest. My dear friends, Mark & Terri Smith, drove from Marion, IN this morning to spend the rest of the weekend with us. That blessed me and then some! Tomorrow, I will have about six hours to give them the benefits and blessings of their inheritance. I will wrap up the weekend with communion.

Thank you so much for your prayers!

Much love,
Mac

This has been a long day but don’t feel sorry for me! Tonight I taught for roughly 3 hours to some hungry and receptive people. It is so much fun! I know more than I have ever known that I was born to preach the gospel. It thrills me beyond words to see the Holy Spirit open eyes. We begin again at 10:00 in the morning. I can hardly wait! I love each of you and truly thank you for your prayers!

Today has been a great day; tonight was even better, as I was able to spend several hours teaching what I suppose I could call a preview of the weekend’s teaching. It is so much fun to share the old, old story with those who have never heard it! I am not sure what “hog heaven” is, but I think I am in it!

Show time is 6:00 PM tomorrow! Let me just say that I have quite a bit of eager anticipation!

Blessings!
Mac

Good morning from Louisville! Today is absolutely gorgeous! Last night I taught a Men’s Bible study and really had a blast. They wanted me to summarize Hebrews; however, they spent two hours asking me questions about the gospel. Hungry, hungry men! The conference officially starts Friday evening. I will have some 16 hours of teaching time and THAT is exciting to me. Have yourselves a wonderful day!

Jerry Chandler, Esq.  is organizing an overnite golf outing for those so inclined to enjoy such an event.  The plan is to go to Ocmulgee State Park. Please let Jerry know next Sunday, if you would to be a part of this auspicious event. The last time we did this, everyone had loads of fun!

Jerry, count me IN! Just so you know, I am a scratch golfer; I always scratch before I putt.

Bob & Joanne got home late this afternoon. They are leaving tomorrow for Cincinnati for their nephew’s funeral service. As you know a trip from Hawaii is stressful enough, but then to take another flight to Cincinnati is more than enough stress. They plan to return to Macon next Wednesday. Please keep them in your prayers!

Bob & Joanne called me today from Hawaii to tell me that their nephew overdosed on pain pills last night. They are scheduled to leave Hawaii at 4:00 AM our time and arrive in Atlanta around 4:00 tomorrow. They said they would return to Warner Robins to pay bills and wash clothes and then fly to Cincinnati for their nephew’s service. This is much for them to do, especially with Bob’s leg problem. Please keep them in your prayers!

Thanks bunches!

Mac

#1: Mildred Brandful has found out why she has been having such a difficult time with her heart–the medicine she was taking. Her heart Doc took it away and she is as fit as a fiddle!

#2: Roger Miller’s CT scan shown NO CHANGES! Hallelujah!

Now you know all that I know! How is that for service?