John Pentland’s
Second Gaze
So often in life we react to someone or something we have read or seen and our reaction isn’t “ the best “.
I think we need space to reconsider or space to say “ on “ Second Thought….”
Richard Rohr, my Wisdom Teacher calls us to develop the practice of Second Gaze. This is call to a deeper, more wise response in life. Second Gaze is where contemplation and compassion come together. Here we see more fully and truthfully. We have had space to reconsider our position. Here we see life, the other, and even God with eyes of compassion. I will use this space seek for deeper reflection, wiser thought or second gaze on my work and invite you along to reflect and share your thoughts and questions. I welcome you to respond - or not - and offer your own Second Gaze.
Thanks for joining the conversation. I value your presence.
Go to Heaven
Sunday, I played with a text about the afterlife.
I reckon it depends on your context how this reflection lands. It was meant with grace and perspective. Some I know are literally planning their MAID; others have never known a loved one to die. For some, life after death is simply a non-issue. It’s a sensitive topic, and I recognize that.
I like Zacchaeus
I like Zacchaeus - ( think George Costanza from Seinfeld ) he was a wheeler dealer, a schemer, a person who was according the the Bible “short of stature”. But this characteristic didn’t stop him.
As I proposed he was someone who had the courage to “ go out on a limb “ to see Jesus , to catch a glimpse of the much talked about prophet - and to his surprise- Jesus says, “tonight I will dine with you at your house !”
“Let Them”by Mel Robbin’s
This Sunday, I looked at the parallels between “Let Them” (a number one bestseller in Canada, by the way) and Christianity. I held the Bible in one hand and the book in the other.
To be honest, I had a hard time figuring out what to say. I read the book and couldn’t shape the sermon until 7 a.m. on Sunday. Phew! The real struggle was understanding the “why” behind it.