The confessing church of American Ragamuffins needs to join Magdalene and Peter in witnessing that Christianity is not primarily a moral code but a grace-laden mystery; it is not essentially a philosophy of love but a love affair; it is not keeping rules with clenched fists but receiving a gift with open hands.
Brennan ManningIn every encounter we either give life or we drain it; there is no neutral exchange.
Brennan ManningJesus comes for sinners, for those outcast...and those caught up in squalid choices and failed dreams.
Brennan ManningIf asked whether I am finally letting God love me, just as I am, I would answer, 'No, but I'm trying.
Brennan ManningCharles de Foucauld, the found of the Little Brothers of Jesus, wrote a single sentence that's ahad a profound impact on my life. He said, "The one thing we owe absolutely to God is never to be afraid of anything." Never to be afraid of anything, even death, which, after all, is but that final breakthrough into the open, waiting, outstretched arms of Abba.
Brennan Manning