“How could God conceivably be a punisher? God as an abusive father? It can’t be true!”
-Richard Rohr
In this video from the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC), Fr. Richard Rohr invites us to reframe a metaphor of fire that is often used in Christian circles. From July to September of 2024, our Daily Meditations call us to embrace the fire of transformation, which is a refining fire.
Richard explains that when “we have heard of the ‘fires of Gehenna’ and ‘hellfire,’ it always has a negative connotation. Overwhelmingly, the metaphor of fire [in the Bible] is not torture or punishment. It’s a refiner’s fire.”
Explore these concepts in more depth by watching this video.
RADICAL RESILIENCE
We live in a world on fire. As the flames of unjust societies, humanitarian disasters, and ecological crises flicker around us, it is easy to feel helpless and overwhelmed. How can we respond to this destructive era with wisdom, love, and peace? The path ahead will be challenging, but we will walk it together. That is why this year the Daily Meditations will explore contemplation as a way to build Radical Resilience - tending our inner flame so we can stand in solidarity with the world without burning up or burning out.
THE DAILY MEDITATIONS
Richard Rohr’s Daily Meditations are free email reflections sent every day of the year. Each meditation features Richard Rohr and guest authors reflecting on a yearly theme, with each week building on previous topics-but you can join at any time!
Get the Daily Meditations in your inbox. Sign-up today to receive the Daily Meditations every day. You will receive an emailed meditation every day of the week, including the Weekly Summary on Saturday. bit.ly/3wy9sj8
CENTER FOR ACTION AND CONTEMPLATION
The Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) is an educational nonprofit introducing seekers to the contemplative Christian path of transformation. Founded by Richard Rohr in 1987, our programs and resources are designed to help deepen prayer practice and strengthen compassionate engagement in the world.
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