I am currently reading The Signature of Jesus: The Call to a Life Marked by Holy Passion and Relentless Faith by Brennan Manning. Following are some quotations from the book you may find as thought-provoking as I did:
“God calls us to break camp, abandon the comfort and security of the status quo, and embark in perilous freedom on the journey to a new Canaan. But when we procrastinate out of fear, this represents not only a decision to remain in Haran, but also a lack of trust.” (p22) Manning suggests we read Genesis 12:1-9 out loud. Afterwards personalize the verses. For example: The Lord said to Anne,… He then suggests we ask ourselves these questions: “1. Who is your country, your people and your father’s household. Be specific as you can., 2. What fears are evoked at the thought of leaving them? What could or would it cost you? And while the leaving may involve a literal moving, it is possible that God is calling you to leave while staying put. How could this possibly disturb your life?” (p. 232-233)“For love of you I left my Father’s side. I came to you who ran from me, fled me, who did not want to hear my name. For love of you I was covered with spit, punched, beaten, and affixed to the wood of the cross.” (p. 42) Brennan says the cross must be real to us. We must feel the agony of Christ and internalize the truth that Christ endured all the suffering for us. He tells the story of the founder of the Franciscan community who could never eat a meal in a room with a cross or crucifix hanging in it without weeping. He suggests we have intellectualized the cross and turned the crucifix into an object we wear around our necks or hang in our homes rather than let ourselves truly see the reality of the drops of blood Jesus perspired as He contemplated His sacrifice and as He prayed “not my will, but thine. (p. 59)
“At the foot of the cross we recognize ourselves as forgiven enemies of God and are empowered to extend forgiveness and reconciliation.” (p. 59) The signature of Jesus is the cross. Brennan Manning words carry a powerful message through which the Holy Spirit is speaking to me. I encourage you to get a copy and see what you think.
By : Anne Morgan