Ordinary Time 12: Suffer the Grace

Cole talked about how the story of Naaman's healing struck him, and stuck with him. He said he experienced it as provocative and subversive. How did you experience the story, and how would you describe both the what story and it provoked in you?

Cale talked about how being in a position w/money or power or charisma puts us in positions where things revolve around, and that that dynamic starts to “bend” the way we relate to the people and world around us… and the way they relate to us. Reflect on your own experiences of this dynamic. What has that looked like? Don't forget to look for and consider situations in which you are the person being centered.

How can we show up in the world, living un whatever privileged circumstances we may find ourselves in, and actively work against that "bending?" what does it look like to actively try to step outside of and subvert the transactional system un which we are so immersed? Try to come up with ideas and examples that are concrete enough to I be actionable.

Cole highlighted the fact that the stay 1 of Naaman’s healing is moved forward when - and only when - he listens to his servants. Who, in your life, might be the equivalent of Naaman’s servants? If you can, avoid the example of subordinate co-workers; presumably, most of us who are fortunate enough to work (let alone have work subordinates ) work in an environment in which listening to others is encouraged.

Call suggested that one place we might be most likely to learn and receive grace from below is from the poor. He talked about “suffering the kindness” of those below us. He talked specifically about receiving kindness from sources we can’t control and the arrogance that makes that difficult. He said “can you hear it? Are you close enough?“ take a moment to sit with those two questions and meditate on what there might be for you in them. If you’re with a group, share what surfaces for you.