Imprints of Humanness: Joy in Disjointedness

Whether conscious or unconscious, we often view much of our humanity in opposition to our spiritual life. We know our predilections to vices and addictions. We find ourselves making and breaking the same commitments or resolutions each year for change that remains elusive. We realize we are intensely engaged in the same argument or relational rut, as predictable as Black Friday sales. Yet Jesus’ arrival on earth speaks a different understanding of our humanness. Divinity is moving into our neighborhood, not to price us out of the block, but to show us the sacred in our skin, breath, thoughts, desires, quirks, and connections. We are invited to wait and watch for the Beloved and Beautiful in the imprint of humanness. In this third week of Advent, Christopher looks at the fragility of God being with us in even the most challenging and harrowing of times.  Reflection: What does your soul rejoice in? Is it harder for you to find joy in giving mercy or in receiving mercy? What is your prayer to the God of Upheaval?