Understanding Paul Non-Dually
Weakness and Strength, Part I
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Another seeming duality which Paul constructs and then beautifully overcomes is the paradox of weakness and strength: “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). Some call this the spirituality of imperfection, which is really just the Gospel, but which most of Christian history made into an impossible spirituality of “perfection.”
Two of my favorite saints, Francis of Assisi and Thérèse of Lisieux, are grand exceptions to the upward/ascent path of most mainline Christianity. In his earliest biography, Francis is quoted as teaching the friars: “We must bear patiently not being good and not being thought good.” It is a rare insight, as the common assumption is that one primarily needs to “think well of oneself”! Thérèse, who lived just over 100 years ago, teaches the same thing and says it is a “new way.” She called it her Little Way and called herself a “Little Flower” in God’s big garden. This spirituality of imperfection undermines the egoic use of religion for purposes of self-esteem.
Quite simply, both Francis and Thérèse recognized that you come to God not by being strong, but by being weak; not by being right, but through your mistakes; not by self-admiration but by self-forgetfulness. Surprise of surprises! But it shouldn’t have been a surprise at all, because both Jesus and Paul taught it rather clearly. Yet it was just too obvious, simple, and counter-intuitive to be true. This teaching utterly levels the playing field of holiness, so all losers can win—which is everybody—if we are honest. This is pure Gospel, in my opinion, and worthy of being called “good news for all the people” (Luke 2:10)
This message is so central for the reform of religion itself that I wrote a shorter meditation, so you will read it at least twice.
Gateway to Silence:
“When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Reference:
Adapted from St. Paul: The Misunderstood Mystic (CD, MP3 download)
