Holiness and Austerities
A short story from Anthony de Mello, SJ:
There once was an ascetic who lived a celibate life and made it his life's mission to fight against sex in himself and others.
In due course he died. And his disciple, who could not stand the shock, died a little after him. When the disciple reached the other world he couldn't believe what he saw: There was his beloved master with the most extraordinarily beautiful woman on his lap!
His sense of shock faded when it occurred to him that his master was being rewarded for his sexual abstinence on earth. He went up to him and said, "Beloved Master, now I know that God is just, for you are being rewarded in heaven for your austerities on earth."
The master seemed annoyed. "Idiot!" he said, "This isn't heaven and I'm not being rewarded - she's being punished."
Maybe holiness lies not so much in subjecting ourselves to austerities, but more in being true to who God created us to be. We're all created in God's image, so our genuine selves must be good and worthwhile.
I appreciate Anthony DeMello's writings. He has had a great impact on my journey. I have this little book of his that I read often called "The Way To Love". Good stuff.
Posted by: Hope | February 02, 2007 at 04:34 PM
You've hit the nail on the head as far as I'm concerned. Holiness and Wholiness are or should be synonymous. Merton often spoke of the shadow self. Until and unless this integration occurs there can be no real peace. Thanks for your postings of de Mello. I really enjoy his writing and thinking.
Posted by: Don Watkins | February 03, 2007 at 10:23 AM
Whew - this is food for thought.
Posted by: anj | February 03, 2007 at 10:27 AM
Hope! Thanks for dropping in. I haven't read enough, or contemplated enough of de Mello's work yet, but I do like what he writes.
Don, I agree they are synonymous; but sometimes it seems that's the minority view of holiness. I like how you connect peace and true-self - so true.
Anj! Wow, thanks stopping by & commenting. It's so nice to hear from you. Glad I was able to have some food around that you liked :)
Posted by: Steve Bogner | February 04, 2007 at 08:02 AM
Hey Steve,
I am a huge de Mello fan. A friend of mine gave me "Contact With God" 15 years ago. I still read it over and over. Sorry I have been a stranger. The last year was a strange episode but I have endured and of course have had great triumph with God. I cannot imagine what it is like without a relationship with the Creator. Must be frightening.
Peace Bro,
MrJ
Posted by: MrJ | February 05, 2007 at 03:12 PM
Matt! Thanks for dropping in. Frightening; yes, that's the word.
Posted by: Steve Bogner | February 07, 2007 at 06:45 AM