"take the example of two people in a room. if one has authority over the other and commands the other to close the door, the other will of course close it, regardless of whether or not he or she likes the authority figure, since if an authority figure gives a command, obedience is the sole requirement. yet, in opposition to this power discourse, the powerless discourse is analogous to one person saying to their equal that they are a little cold. in this way, one speaks in such a way that hints (but does not demand) that they would like the door to be closed. if the other is a caring individual, he or she will be likely to close the door, and if not, he or she will probably ignore what was said. the hint speaks to the heart and will only be heard by those with a sensitive and open ear. this powerless discourse of the hint can be seen at work in jesus' parables, which can only truly be heard by those ‘with ears to hear'. instead of religious discourse being a type of drink designed to satisfy our thirst for answers, jesus made his teaching salty, evoking thirst. instead of offering a scientific explanation that would convince, or publicizing the miracles so as to compel his listeners, jesus engaged in a poetic discourse that spoke to the heart of those who would listen. in a world where people believe they are not hungry, we must not offer food but rather an aroma that helps them desire the food that we cannot provide. we are a people who are born from a response to hints of the divine. not only this, but we must embrace the idea that we are also called to be hints of the divine."
i love that…we are called to be hints of the divine…
but what does that mean?
peace to you,
scott
1 comment:
The hint of the divine evokes so many thoughts for me. I think about going through the process of exploring questions rather than attempting to answer them. I think about how sometimes it is impossible to articulate an experience without using an example. I think about how sometimes a story doesn't even do it and you need music or art to communicate the ineffable. I think of moments of resonance when there is a shared connection with someone where the room seems to change. I think of having a moment where you are absolutely certain that God is with you and everything is going to be okay... well more than okay... everything is going to be good. I think about waking up the next day and temporarily forgetting about that experience - wondering how it was possible to get distracted... wondering how to get back to having that same experience again.
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