Individual vs. Group - Paragraph 1

Before we begin, let’s remember the point of writing and reflection on Bernadette’s words (at least for myself). First, it is to ponder how have I or how am I understanding or experiencing these words? Next, it is to consider what the words may be asking or inviting me into. Lastly, to consider how I am doing with the invitation? 

“Individual vs. Group

When we say the spiritual journey recapitulates the history of religion, we do not mean it recapitulates the chronological record of historical events. What is recapitulated is God’s original revelation, more especially, as it applies to the spiritual development of the individual. Thus our focus is primarily on the individual and not on historical groups or events. In the history of religion it seems its foundational revelation is always given first to an individual, which then becomes known to a group. So while the historical time and setting of these revelations are important to know, yet the breakthrough of every revelation always starts with the individual.” 

With the above template in mind, what stands out for me in reading this passage is its reference to the individual, which seems two-fold. First, there is the importance of one’s own spiritual development and, second, an understanding that revelation comes through an individual. Let’s begin with the first point by asking what does it mean “one’s own spiritual development”? 

As I devote more and more time to experiencing my salvation instead of conceptualizing it, I encounter the need to learn and understand in a very different way than my younger church years. Much of what I learned in church extrapolated love, kindness, and getting saved from the historical events presented in the Bible and, while there is a time and place for studying Biblical historical events, it can be removed from spiritual development. 

What I’ve come upon is the very sweet and profound experience of finding someone who cares, even understands, something about spiritual development, particularly when their care is directed towards you. Someone who can pick up the clues that your journey is turning inwards towards the mapless path. Someone who can guide and resource you while affirming that the turning can be a very tumultuous time. This is a someone who can help you deepen the experience of the recapitulation of “God’s original revelation” as it pertains to your life. I am so grateful for these someones.

The second point seems self-evident, yet, it feels important to say; all revelation comes to an individual, not a group. Two examples that come to mind are Jesus and Buddha. They alone received a revelation, which they then distilled to their disciples. This concept of individual revelation did not get much air time in the churches I attended. The sense I got from the group (church) was that they had the truth and it shouldn’t be questioned. I could say much more about this subject but that is another blog for another time.

When I ponder Robert’s words they invite me into cultivating a way of being that is always open to new revelations. Now, I recognize that saying “new revelations” sounds a bit far-fetched, but, if I am honest, each day houses many new revelations if I am on the lookout. These revelations are both about myself and about Love. The invitation then is to continue dwelling deeper into the experience of freshness. It comes to mind that I take a fresh breath each moment, in fact it’s a requirement if I want to continue living. Why then do I not live freshly each moment? I often find myself falling into old patterns of thinking or doing, which are far from fresh. And when I stop to consider how living in this static way actually feels, well, it is very constricted.   

So how am I doing with living freshly in each moment? Needless to say some days are better than others, but I continue to practice presence and remember myself over and over again during the day. There is a delightful story about the Benedicten Monk who was asked what they do in the monastery all day. He replied, “Fall down and get, fall down and get up!” Here’s to another day of falling down and getting up and, perhaps, amidst the scraps and bruises there will be a new revelation along the way.