How Necessary Disorder Makes Way for Holy Reorder
When the biblical prophets felt anger, they did not turn away from it or let it harden into hatred. Their anger became a doorway into deeper truth — revealing what was disordered in the world, in their communities, and even in themselves. Are you like Amos, moved by God’s love for creation and passion for justice? Or do you feel ignited by Divine fire like Elijah?
Most of us long for order, yet life seems to suggest that transformation often begins with disorder. In his New York Times bestselling book The Tears of Things: Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage, CAC founder Fr. Richard Rohr writes that “holy disorder” can challenge unjust systems, our participation in those systems, and make way for a more loving world.
“We’re a wounded humanity, a woundedness that seems too big for tears — and people are hating others instead of giving compassion. We’re all in this thing together.”
—Richard Rohr
Necessary Disorder — A Path to Renewal
In our online study of themes in Fr. Richard’s book, we learn how many of us encounter our own necessary disorder — in seasons of anger, loss, disillusionment, transition, or awakening. These moments can feel uncomfortable, yet they often invite us to question our old assumptions and discover a deeper well of wisdom, courage, and compassion.
The challenge is learning how to navigate these periods with intention. Practices such as contemplative prayer, spiritual direction, and learning alongside community can help us discern what is being transformed within us.
For those seeking guidance on this journey, these resources may offer a hopeful framework for understanding how disorder can become a path toward renewal.
Integrate the Path of the Prophet in Your Life
In our self-paced online course The Tears of Things: Integrating the Prophetic Path, you’ll discover a path for meeting anger, disruption, and injustice with wisdom and love. You’ll practice seeing yourself and the world through the eyes of a loving God, growing in compassion for everyone and everything.
Discover “A Prophet’s Call to Justice” in The Daily Meditations
This meditation by Fr. Richard features teachings from his book The Tears of Things. He explains that “taking responsibility for the common good is the more important moral mandate. And that is exactly where the prophets began.”
Awaken the Prophet Within | A Moment in Lectio Divina
Experience a sacred reading practice (Lectio Divina) inspired by the prophet Isaiah — reflect on the ways God calls you to join in solidarity with the oppressed and brokenhearted.
Learn the Importance of Uncertainty with Richard Rohr and Pete Enns
In this CAC Everything Belongs podcast episode, Fr. Richard invites us to see ways to connect with God amid suffering. Then, we’re joined by Pete Enns, host of “The Bible for Normal People,” who helps us explore the importance of uncertainty, the evolution of faith, and reading scripture as a journey.
Awaken the Prophet Within | A Moment in Lectio Divina
In this video from the 2024 Greenbelt Festival, Fr. Richard outlines the movement from order to disorder to reorder — and how the prophets show us ways to shift through “enlightened sadness” and into compassionate action.
Experience a sacred reading practice (Lectio Divina) inspired by the prophet Isaiah — reflect on the ways God calls you to join in solidarity with the oppressed and brokenhearted.