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Ecstasy, Inebriation, the Universe and
Our Work 03/14/2024 |
In yesterday’s DM, we cited Hildegard on her vision that linked our work to the altar and a temple; therefore to the universe and to cosmogenesis. For the universe is God’s temple, and a temple is meant to stand for the center of the universe in the Jewish tradition. |
Aquinas comments on the psalmist’s song “They shall be drunk with the beauty of the house,” by saying, “that is, the Universe.” The psalmist invites us to ecstasy and inebriation at the beauty of God’s house. But Aquinas explains the origin of our spiritual intoxication with one |
Spinning, starry, ancient dance: Spiral Galaxy NGC4254 with clearly defined arms and center with possible old star clusters and supermassive black holes. Photo by James Webb Telescope; credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI |
word—the universe. Yes, the universe exists to get us drunk. To make us joyful beyond measure. It has brought us into existence and continues to hold and nurture us. It invites us to inebriation. Rabbi Heschel declares that the universe does not just exist, but “shocks us
into amazement,” indeed, a radical amazement. The universe engenders awe and wonder: Wonder is an act in which the mind confronts the universe. |
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| Aquinas derives his language of drunkenness from the Song of Songs in the Bible, a poem of human love and lovers. He writes, Intoxication is a kind of excess, as the Song of Songs says, ‘my beloved, you are drunk with love.’ |
Love of the universe renders us drunk. And those who are drunk, are not inside of themselves but outside of themselves. Our work is only possible because the universe has birthed us and empowers us and calls us to our work. Our inner work begins with awe—awe at the universe and
its accomplishments. Says Rabbi Heschel, awe enables us to perceive in the world intimations of the divine…What we cannot comprehend by analysis, we become aware of in awe. |
It follows that “awe is the beginning of wisdom.” Is our work awesome too? Sacred like the work of the universe is sacred? What work is so sacred? We might ask. All good work, that is all work that serves the greater good. |
Sacred work: a teacher with her students, Klaten, Kabupatén Klatén, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia. Photo by Husniati Salma on Unsplash. |
Work is the gift we leave behind and when people die, it is their work we most remember. Including the inner work we undergo in fashioning ourselves and our values. |
Adapted from Matthew Fox, The Tao of Thomas Aquinas: Fierce Wisdom for Hard Times, pp. 8-15.
And Fox, Meister Eckhart: A Mystic Warrior for Our Times, pp. 15ff.
And Fox, The Reinvention of Work: A New Vision of Livelihood For Our Times, pp.
296ff.
Banner Image: “Mail Transportation” — San Pedro Post Office, San Pedro, California, 1935. Wikimedia Commons |
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Queries for Contemplation Are you “drunk with love” for the universe and your existence in it? Does the universe and its new story of cosmogenesis
“shock you into amazement”? Do you see your work—inner and outer–in the context of the work of the universe? How so? |
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. |
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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Meister Eckhart: A Mystic-Warrior For Our Time
While Matthew Fox recognizes that Meister Eckhart has influenced thinkers throughout history, he also wants to introduce Eckhart to today’s activists addressing contemporary crises.
Toward that end, Fox creates dialogues between Eckhart and Carl Jung, Thich Nhat Hanh, Rabbi Heschel, Black Elk, Karl Marx, Rumi, Adrienne Rich, Dorothee Soelle, David Korten, Anita Roddick, Lily Yeh, M.C. Richards, and many others.
“Matthew Fox is perhaps the greatest writer on Meister Eckhart that has ever existed. (He) has successfully bridged a gap between Eckhart as a shamanistic personality and Eckhart as a
post-modern mentor to the Inter-faith movement, to reveal just how cosmic Eckhart really is, and how remarkably relevant to today’s religious crisis! ” — Steven Herrmann, Author of
Spiritual Democracy: The Wisdom of Early American Visionaries for the Journey Forward |
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The Reinvention of Work: A New Vision of Livelihood For Our Time
Thomas Aquinas said, “To live well is to work well,” and in this bold call for the revitalization of daily work, Fox shares his vision of a world
where our personal and professional lives are celebrated in harmony–a world where the self is not sacrificed for a job but is sanctified by authentic “soul work.”
“Fox approaches the level of poetry in describing the reciprocity that must be present between one’s inner and outer work…[A]n important road map to social change.” ~~ National Catholic Reporter |
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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. "Matthew Fox has created a narrative, for every
parent and grandparent, both spiritual and scientific, that is a gift for all elders who recognize their responsibility in initiating the young ones into the grandeur of existence." Cosmologist Brian Swimme, Author of Cosmogenesis and The Universe Story "Matthew Fox has given all of us, children included, a
wondrous and enchanting view of creation and all that humanity should aspire to." - Caroline Myss, Author of Anatomy of the Spirit and A Time for Grace 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
HERE |
Join Matthew Fox as he discusses his book Passion for Creation: The Earth-Honoring Spirituality of Meister Eckhart in an Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat, Thursday, March 21, 4:00-5:30 pm PT.
Register HERE. |
Join Matthew Fox, Mariko Middleton and Skylar Wilson of the Order of the Sacred Earth in a free virtual meeting for connection and networking with other mystic warriors, Tuesday, March 26, 4:00-5:00pm PT. Learn more at www.orderofthesacredearth.org |
Join Matthew Fox as he discusses his book Sheer Joy: Conversations with Thomas Aquinas on Creation Spirituality in an Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat, Thursday, April 18, 4:00-5:30 pm PT.
Register
HERE. |
Join Matthew Fox as he discusses his book Natural Grace: Dialogues on Creation, Darkness and the Soul in Spirituality and Science in an Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat, Thursday, May 16, 4:00-5:30 pm PT.
Register HERE. |
Creation Spirituality Conversations |
Matthew Fox speaks on "What the Mystics Tell Us About Dying" at the 2024 Symposium on Death and Bereavement Studies. To listen, click the video thumbnail at right. |
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