On the last day, Jesus will look us over not for medals, diplomas, or honors, but for scars.
Brennan ManningAccepting the reality of our sinfulness means accepting our authentic self. Judas could not face his shadow; Peter could. The latter befriended the impostor within; the former raged against him.
Brennan ManningThis is the God of the gospel of grace. A God who, out of love for us, sent the only Son He ever had wrapped in our skin. He learned how to walk, stumbled and fell, cried for His milk, sweated blood in the night, was lashed with a whip and showered with spit, was fixed to a cross, and died whispering forgiveness on us all.
Brennan ManningChristianity doesnโt deny the reality of suffering and evilโฆ Our hopeโฆ is not based on the idea that we are going to be free of pain and suffering. Rather, it is based on the conviction that we will triumph over suffering.
Brennan ManningThe deepest desire of our hearts is for union for God. God created us for union with himself. This is the original purpose of our lives.
Brennan ManningFor several centuries, the Celtic church of Ireland was spared the Greek dualism of matter and spirit. They regarded the world with the clear vision of faith. When a young Celtic monk saw his cat catch a salmon swimming in shallow water, he cried, "The power of the Lord is in the paw of the cat!
Brennan Manning