Page 163 - Built For God Handbook (Annotated and Explained Edition) - The Christian Edition of the Tao Te Ching - The New Evangelization - Pope John Paul II

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There is an invitation here to enter into a more contemplative mode of being
and of prayer. In the process, we touch on the mystery of kenosis, of
emptying one’s self, for the purpose of opening one’s self up to receive
whatever it is God wants to pour into our hearts. How true it is that the
pursuit of knowledge involves more and more accumulation of facts,
whereas deepening our relationship with God involves just the opposite –
simplifying and decluttering our lives. The less we do, the more God can do
within us.

Again, we are asked to appreciate the paradox of faith: stillness allows
possibilities to emerge while letting go allows a richer life to unfold. While
the world unwisely gravitates to more and more possessions, prestige,
power, and pleasure, the wise will practice a spirituality of letting go. Out of
a deep respect for others, they will also practice the ethic of non-
interference.

a 1 Timothy 6:20-21; 1 Corinthians 3:18-20; 1 Corinthians 13:8-12;
c
b John 8:36; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Psalm 37:7; Psalm 46:10; Exodus 14:14;
John 19:28; 1 Thessalonians 4:10-12; Proverbs 26:17.
d