The Creation Spirituality Lineage Calling All Social and Environmental Activists, Mystic Explorers, Justice Makers, Cosmic Thinkers, Earth Keepers Daily Meditations with Matthew Fox |
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Reflections on Grace 01/02/2024 |
In yesterday’s meditation, we asked the question whether this New Year 2024 can be marked by a deeper appreciation for the grace of our existence and that of the universe and Earth that birthed us.
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As Thomas Aquinas put it, “the greatness of the human person consists in this: that we are capable of the universe.” Can grace grow our souls in this perilous time that we find ourselves in? Some theologians say that nature is the opposite of grace, and therefore we must conquer
nature. Aquinas is not one of these—in fact he says that the opposite of grace is not nature—it is human sin. Bad choices or what he calls “misdirected love” interfere with grace. |
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His brother Dominican, Meister Eckhart, says “nature is grace.” Nature is not the enemy. We are. Enemies to ourselves and one another and the future. What else does Aquinas say about grace? “Grace is nothing else than a beginning of glory in us.” Glory is an important word in Scriptures, it names the presence of the Cosmic Christ or Buddha Nature or Image of God, that which is godlike in us. Our divinity. Aquinas tells us
that “Grace is a habit, a settled quality infused into the soul whereby the Holy Spirit is said to dwell in human beings.” So grace names not only the Christ in us but the Holy Spirit in us too. |
Protestors meditate on a railway track to blockade fossil fuel transport as part of the BreakFree global wave of actions in 2016. Photo by Alex Garland for Backbone Campaign on Flickr. | Aquinas says, “Grace is called the ‘seed’ of God (1 Jn 3:19).” So the seed of God is planted in us also, or as Meister Eckhart said, “just as a pear seed grows into a pear tree, so a seed of God grows into God.” Furthermore, says Aquinas, Grace is a |
radiance of the soul, a real quality such as beauty is to a body…. Grace dwells in the substance of our souls, rendering them like God and partakers of the divine nature. Glory, Radiance, Holy Spirit dwelling within, a seed of God, a radiance, beauty, God likeness, that which renders
us partakers of divinity: Good News and a Good Way to start a New Year? |
Adapted from Matthew Fox, Sheer Joy: Conversations with Thomas Aquinas on Creation Spirituality, p. 156.
And Fox, Meditations with Meister Eckhart, pp. 28f.
And Fox, The Tao of Thomas Aquinas, pp. 9-16, 21-24.
Banner Image: In filtered sunlight, a sprout arises from the forest floor. Photo by Kiwihug on Unsplash |
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Queries for Contemplation Which of these observations of grace from Aquinas stand out to you as most meaningful and useful for reimagining a New
Year? |
Responses are welcomed. To add
your comment, or read other comments and enter into dialog, please click HERE to go to our website and scroll down to the Comments field. |
Sheer Joy: Conversations with Thomas Aquinas on Creation
Spirituality
Matthew Fox renders Thomas Aquinas accessible by interviewing him and thus descholasticizing him. He also translated many of his works such as Biblical commentaries never before in English (or Italian or German of French). He gives Aquinas a forum so that he can be heard in our own time. He presents Thomas Aquinas entirely in his own words, but in a form designed to
allow late 20th-century minds and hearts to hear him in a fresh way.
“The teaching of Aquinas comes through will a fullness and an insight that has never been present in English before and [with] a vital message for the world today.” ~ Fr. Bede Griffiths (Afterword).
Foreword by Rupert Sheldrake |
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Meditations with Meister Eckhart: A Centering Book
A centering book by Matthew Fox. This book of simple but rich meditations exemplifies the deep yet playful creation-centered spirituality of Meister Eckhart, Meister Eckhart
was a 13th-century Dominican preacher who was a mystic, prophet, feminist, activist, defender of the poor, and advocate of creation-centered spirituality, who was condemned shortly after he died.
“These quiet presentations of spirituality are remarkable for their immediacy and clarity.” –Publishers Weekly. |
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The Tao of Thomas Aquinas: Fierce Wisdom for Hard Times
A stunning spiritual handbook drawn from the substantive teachings of Aquinas’ mystical/prophetic genius, offering a sublime roadmap for spirituality and
action.
Foreword by Ilia Delio.
“What a wonderful book! Only Matt Fox could bring to life the wisdom and brilliance of Aquinas with so much creativity. The Tao of Thomas Aquinas is a masterpiece.”
–Caroline Myss, author
of Anatomy of the Spirit |
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In the Beginning There Was Joy: A Cosmic Celebration for Kids of All Ages
The first book in the Father Fox’s Fantastical Fables series tells the story of the big bang and how humans fit into the awesome, fantastical,
cosmic picture! With artwork curated from illustrators around the world, this book expresses the joy and wonder of all peoples and cultures, planting seeds of respect, cooperation and hope to work together for the healing of our planet. "This delicious book for children of all ages celebrates joy as the essential truth of
reality." - Andrew Harvey, Author of The Hope and Radical Regeneration
"I absolutely LOVED reading this beautiful, creative, stirring story—a charming, whimsical, powerful, parable." - Robert Holden, Author of Happiness
NOW! and Higher Purpose
Receive a 20% discount when you buy this and one other book from Matthew Fox’s store! Use Promo Code 20% at checkout. |
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UPCOMING EVENTS See Matthew Fox's full calendar
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SPECIAL EVENT: 5-DAY WORKSHOP IN AQUINAS’ HOMETOWN OF ORVIETO, ITALY
WITH MATTHEW FOX, MESHI CHAVEZ, AND CLAUDIA PICARDI
JUNE 9-14, 2024
LEARN MORE HERE. |
Join Matthew Fox as he discusses his book “Confessions: The Making of a Post-Denominational Priest ” in an Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat.Thursday, January 18, 4:00-6:00 pm PT Register HERE |
Join Matthew Fox as he lectures on “What the Mystics Tell Us About Dying “ at the Conference on Death, Grief and Belief, “Emerging Spiritualities: Death and Bereavement Across the Spiritual Spectrum,” Saturday, January 20, 9:00am – 5:00pm PT Register HERE |
Join Matthew Fox as he discusses his book “The Lotus & The Rose” in an Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat. Thursday, February 15, 4:00-6:00 pm PT Register HERE |
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Creation Spirituality Conversations |
Hunger for Wholeness: What is Wholeness in the Midst of Crisis with Matthew Fox (Part 1) In the midst of increased violence between Israel and Palestine, Ilia
Delio and theologian Matthew Fox discuss the state of the world today and how to have courage in Part 1 of their conversation. Ilia and Matt discuss his mentor, Marie Dominique Chenu, the influence of liberation theology on social justice in the church today, and what can still be learned.
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