The
Boss and meets Q his spiritual director once again
-
Hi
Q.
-
Hi
Boss.
There
was a short silence as the Boss relaxed somewhat into the familiar and
comfortable ambience provided by Q who waited patiently and alert. The Boss
sighed, Q raised an eyebrow but remained silent.
-
The
thing is….The thing is, I am still troubled by those close to me having
dreadful illnesses – dementia, Parkinson’s, a death by brain cancer and more.
-
Hmm.
-
Yes
and, as you know, it troubles me that this happens in our world created by God.
The
Boss shifts uncomfortably in his seat.
-
I
know, I know, you theologians don’t talk that way anymore… but for an ordinary
member of the congregation it is all God’s creation… And it feels so unfair.
-
Hmm.
-
Q
stop ‘hmming’ me!
-
OK…
I guess you are wanting a response?
-
I
am!
-
To
be honest I don’t know.
-
Oh
for goodness sake!.... Next you will be telling me how mysterious God ways are.
-
True.
-
True
but that is b- all use to me!
-
I’ll
resist the urge to suggest that being useful to you is one of the meanings of
scripture.
-
You
better had!
-
OK
let’s breath a bit….I now this is very painful for you (The Boss nods.) and for
many others…. Can I tell you how I see it?
-
Yes
please do.
-
A
logical, rational reading of the scriptures and other holy texts only gets us
so far. The idea that God has a hidden purpose in somebody’s suffering does not
help much as far as I am concerned. I do, however, think that responding to
others’ suffering can be valuable to us, as can reflecting on our own suffering.
But this does not make sense to me as an explanation of suffering. What does
makes sense (At this point the Boss leans forward in anticipation.) is that in
moments of deep contemplation these issues do resolve for me; I am then at
peace. However, when I return to ordinary consciousness I can’t find the words,
the thoughts, the ideas. It’s like water slipping through my fingers. I can’t
hold it. All I have is the memory of things making sense.
-
Oh,
sighed the Boss.
-
Oh
indeed. But perhaps we can invite that level of experiencing, of deep
contemplation to happen to us… I know it is hard when we are suffering. Maybe
pray for it if you like and then give ourselves some possible opportunities.
Whatever seems to work for us.
-
Hmm….
Worth a try.
-
Indeed.
