Posted by Phil on September 14, 1999 at 10:03:17:
In Reply to: Magnificent Magnificats - True Glory (an Ortho-doxology) posted by johnboy on September 10, 1999 at 10:29:38:
: Nouwen points out how Jesus was passive in His passion and this caused me to reflect on the other major Mysteries of the Gospels and Acts and how they are stories of what the Father accomplished in those whose wills were surrendered via fiat: it is not a matter of what Mary or Jesus did for God but is a story of what the Father allowed the Spirit to accomplish for those who said: let it be
I enjoyed this thread between you and April, John, and found myself, with April, wanting to nuance the meaning of passivity. For, if anything, it seems to me that Jesus' was not passive, but obedient, and that's not quite the same. In his obedience, he accepted what was inevitable, but persevered in loving intentionality. Somehow, the emphasis on radical passivity needs to include these virtues: obedience (blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it), and love. Then, yes, que sera sera.
Thanks for starting us off with this one. May the memory of Nouwen be honored.
Peace,
Phil