is a way of seeing the world
in the light of God.
.
Prayer may not save us
but prayer makes us worth saving.
.
There is a task, a law and a way;
the task is redemption,
the law to do justice and to love mercy,
and the way is the secret of being human and holy.
.
The wisdom of Heschel…nudged by his thoughts prayer seems less of a chore, and becomes again a viewpoint of the soul. Students sometimes become impatient with our urging them towards theological reflection. No mere academic exercise, but ‘a way of seeing the world in the light of God’. Hard to think of anything more indispensable for responsible, responsive ministry. And ministry too has its task, its law and its way – redemption, justice and mercy, holy humanity. Heschel is a forceful if gentle reminder of the deep Jewish roots out of which Christian spirituality has grown – and away from which it must not grow.
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