The Lenten book study, Receiving Jesus: The Way of Love, by Mariann Budde, begins with an overview of the book’s Introduction. After a brief Forward by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, the book’s Introduction takes up the idea of living life focused on a set of spiritual practices. I found this review helpful to set the stage of how we should interpret the Way of Love. As displayed in the graphic, The Way of Love is segmented into seven specific practices: turn, learn, pray, worship, bless, go, and rest. I will not discuss the detail here because each will get their own opportunity of in-depth exploration in the chapters ahead. The idea of a “spiritual rule of life” is something that Bishop Budde discusses in the Introduction, and this rule of life is worth reviewing before we begin our work of walking on the Way of Love.

The idea of a “spiritual rule of life” guides us throughout our prayer life. Budde makes the very helpful comparisons to exercise, healthy eating, and finances…all parts of life probably better understood than prayer and spirituality. For a rule of life in exercising, one would commit themselves to working out at least three or four times per week, maybe walking for 20 minutes after dinner, etc. In a healthy eating rule, one would try to limit desserts or fatty food, or promise to eat your vegetables…just like mom asked! And for your financial life, a thorough financial budget and appropriate savings goals would be on the list, along with a few other items depending on your family or personal circumstances. So, what about that “spiritual rule of life?” For the spiritual part of your daily existence, Bishop Budde has this to say, “A spiritual rule of life is comprised of specific practices that help us pay attention and respond to the presence of God. It is a conscious effort on our part to be open to the love of God in Jesus, to receive that love for ourselves, and then offer love to others as we feel called. If we adhere to a few essential spiritual practices over time, they gradually shape our character and determine the course of our lives.” I think this definition is worthy of some reflection because it holds many deep truths of building relationship with God, and then, with others. I particularly like the order of her description, “to be open to the love of God in Jesus, to receive that love for ourselves, and then offer love to others…” I believe the order matters because until we put ourselves in the presence of God, and feel worthy and able to be loved by God, we will struggle to be loved and feel lovable…and until we can feel those things, we will struggle to be confident and courageous to be vulnerable enough to share our love with others…because, sometimes that love is not received well, and until we know that God loves us, and we love ourselves, that vulnerability will be a barrier to the joyous path of the Way of Love.

I hope you will join me throughout Lent as we make our way through this guided tour of the Way of Love. Thanks and blessings on your Lenten journey.

PRP