Yesterday I took a 'black Friday' motorcycle ride.
It was brief and somewhat windy. Two hours after parking the bike we had snow.
I got the last ride in--just in time.
With winter upon us I vowed to finish a few of the books I began last spring and summer. I sat in front of the fire with The Poem of the Man God.
I quote from an earlier post...
The Poem of the Man God by Maria Valtorta. I wished I had read this back in seminary. I am well aware of the controversy surrounding The Poem and I suggest the reader take a look at the above link concerning the Church's stance. As recent events in the life of the church have shown--the greatest threat to the church is certainly not The Poem of the Man God.
Here is a part that struck me. It is when Jesus first meets Judas and Thomas.
"Why are you looking for Me?"
"To follow You, if You will allow us, because You have words of truth."
"Follow me? But do you know where I am going?"
"No, Master, but certainly to glory."
"Yes. But not to a glory of this world. I am going to a glory which is in Heaven and is conquered by virtue and sacrifice. Why do you want to follow Me?" He asks them again.
"To take part in Your glory."
"According to Heaven?"
"Yes, according to Heaven."
(the next part is what struck me)
"Not everybody is able to arrive there. Because Mammon lays more snares for those yearning for Heaven than for the others. And only he who has strong will power can resist. Why follow Me, if to follow Me implies a continuous struggle against the enemy, which is in us, against the hostile world, and against the Enemy who is Satan?"
wow.
So, why do I continue to try to follow Christ? Why continue to struggle to resist the Mammon? Why?
What is the Mammon in my life that I have decided to pursue and serve?
The exchange continues between Judas and Jesus with Jesus not accepting Judas's request to become a disciple. Instead he sends him away to examine his motives and desires.
Of course we know what happens...
