Can we care intensely and passionately and not care at all in the same moment? If we are seeking God’s will and not our own, it comes somewhat easily. We do the best we can, but we are detached from any need for personal success or response. We can then care and not care in the same moment. That is true spiritual freedom. Can we even understand such a concept anymore? Does it sound like doubletalk? All great spiritual doctrines invariably have the character of paradox to them. For example, we believe that Jesus is human and divine at the same time. Mary is virgin and mother at the same time. The Eucharist is bread and Jesus at the same time. God is both three and one at the same time. These are all logical contradictions, so the rational mind has to go elsewhere to comprehend. Things can be true on one level, and on another not true at all. Wisdom is to know how to hear and see on different levels at the same time.
—from the book Preparing for Christmas: Daily Meditations for Advent
by Richard Rohr
