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A rainbow it appeared to me,
to my wanting eyes deceived to see;
now, time has washed away the lustrous glow, and I,
I am left alone to hold these hollow, colorless remains~
in this urn rests dark what once burned bright a lively dream;
but some dim light, this one not a mirage but true,
leads me back to the cross and a hope that no lie
can bury beneath the cold, dark ground or burn to grey ashes
a hope reborn from the abysmal descent to Life.
*Brian K. Wilcox, Author of An Ache for Union; Poem, "A Hope Reborn," July 25, 2008.
Sayings on Renunciation
This is one of the chief contradictions that sin has brought into our souls: we have to do violence to ourselves to keep from laboring uselessly for what is bitter and without joy, and we have to compel ourselves to take what is easy and full of happiness as though it were against our interests, because for us the line of least resistance leads in the way of greatest hardship and sometimes for us to do what is, in itself, most easy, can be the hardest thing in the world.
*Thomas Merton (1915-1968). New Seeds of Contemplation.
The man who renounces the world because of fear is like burning incense, which begins with fragrance and ends in smoke ... but the man who leaves the world for love of God has taken fire from the start, and like fire set to fuel, it soon creates a conflagration.
*John Climacus (d. 605-606). The Ladder of Divine Ascent.
Renunciation exists for the sake of freedom. It liberates us and ultimately allows us to love more wholeheartedly. Who of us doesn't want that?
*Edward L. Beck (Priest in the Passionist Community). Soul Provider.
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The spiritual classic The Ladder of Divine Ascent, by John Climacus, has thirty rungs to theosis, or full union with the Nature of the Light. The first is Περί αποταγής (peri' apotagas), renunciation, or asceticism.
"Renunciation," in our highly individualistic socity, addicted to "personal" rights, would not rank high on persons' aspiration list. Can you imagine how many would pray for Christmas: "Christ, this Christmas I want renunciation?" How many religious and secular persons would accept and practice daily the following truth, worded by the secular poet Natalie Clifford Barney (1876-1972): With renunciation life begins? How many can swallow these words about love from Ramakrishna (1836-1886), the Indian saint: "Through love one acquires renunciation and discrimation naturally."
Few even among persons of faith would delight to pray each morning a prayer of renunciation. Renunciation is not only not popular outside churches, renunciation is unpopular in churches. Just see the resistance when we try to change worship times, worship styles, introduce new programs, release old programs, basically seek any change for the good of the whole church.
From the Old Testament through the New Testament through history since, the most Christlike among us have taught that a spiritual walk with Christ Jesus demands a first-priority on renunciation, not as a sporadic act but habitual pattern.
So, let us look at that "ugly" word "renounce." To renounce means to let go; forfeit a right. Contrast this with our dominant mode of thinking in our culture and religions: "But this is my right," and "You violated my rights," and "You have no right to tell me I cannot do that."
Paul speaks of renunciation in defense of his ministry: he renounced the "hidden things of shame," though, apparently, those attacking his credibility were saying otherwise. He writes:
1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we faint not: 2 but we have renounced [apei'pon, to speak off or away] the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
Renunciation refers to inner and outer callings to abstain in some way.
1) Inner Abstinence
We might need to renounce an inner attitude not Christlike, like jealousy, resentment, rage, criticalness, blame, unforgiveness, greediness, arrogance, harshness, ... We might need to repent of excessive thoughts that are harmful to oneself or another, or both.
2) Outer Abstinence
We might need to renounce our right to tell something that is not helpful to tell, even though it would be the truth. That it would be the truth does not make it a good thing to tell. We might need to renounce excessive drinking of alcoholism, too much talking, pornography, sexual misbehavior, too much watching of television, telling partial-truths (translated, half lies), gossip, sleeping too much, ...
The two "renunciations" are of one spirit. And the inner aspects of renunciation are the root of everyday asceticism.
The great poet W. H. Auden (1907-1973) speaks of possibly the greatest challenge of renunciation facing modern persons.
We would rather be ruined than changedWe would rather die in our dread thanclimb the cross of the momentand let our illusions dies.
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*OneLife has been a free offering and not asked for donations or fees. However, charitable contributions would be appreciated to assist Brian in the continuance of his work of ministry. For contributions, contact Brian through the Inquiry below.
*Brian's book of mystical love poetry, An Ache for Union: Oneness with God through Love, can be ordered through major booksellers, or through the Cokesbury on-line store, at www.cokesbury.com .
*Brian K. Wilcox lives with his two beloved dogs, St. Francis and Bandit Ty, in Southwest Florida. He serves the Christ Community United Methodist Church, Punta Gorda, FL. Brian is vowed at Greenbough House of Prayer, a contemplative Christian community in South Georgia. He lives a contemplative life and inspires others to experience a more intimate relationship with Christ. Brian advocates for a spiritually-focused Christianity and renewal of the focus of the Church on addressing the deeper spiritual needs and longings of persons, along with empathic relating with other world religions, East and West. Brian has an independent writing, workshop, and retreat ministry, for all spiritual seekers.
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