Exclusion or Embrace: learning from the Prodigal Son
While many of the pithy sayings of the Fathers seem eccentric, they are distilled from lives in the “laboratory of the Spirit”, relinquishing control, privilege and judgement. Focus is often put on their ascetic lifestyles while missing their radical kindness and tenderness to all humanity.
While many of the pithy sayings of the Fathers seem eccentric, they are distilled from lives in the “laboratory of the Spirit”, relinquishing control, privilege and judgement. Focus is often put on their ascetic lifestyles while missing their radical kindness and tenderness to all humanity. This disposition was grounded in the words of Abba Anthony whose conviction was that “our life and our death are with our neighbour”.
* Full article available in printed copies.
Paul Draper
is Dean of Lismore and director of ordinands for Cashel Ferns and Ossory diocese.