Stories Part 4
April 28, 2025
Stories Part 4
We have a life story because we were created as part of the larger divine story. Theologian and mystic Meister Eckhart (1260-1328) is noted for believing that every human being has a divine spark or essence and is, for that reason, a divine creation. This sentiment is found in his sermons and writings. Therefore, each of our life stories is a profoundly important story about God.
The problem for Meister Eckhart was that this philosophy ran counter to many precepts of Catholicism, which held to the moral depravity of humankind. Eventually, Meister Eckart, who taught the innate divinity of humankind, was accused of heresy by his superiors and tried for it. As a result, his writings went into obscurity. But thanks to scholars and theologians like Carl Jung, Eric Fromm, Matthew Fox, Eckhart Tolle, Cynthia Bourgeault, and John Philip Newell, a renewed interest in Meister Eckhart has arisen.
The divinity of humankind is a long-debated issue. It is understandably challenging for those who believe in the moral depravity and inherently sinful nature of humanity to believe in its divine nature. Nevertheless, let’s look at this proposition from a personal perspective.
If you were to state whether or not you are divine, how would you answer that question? Would you feel comfortable in saying “Yes”? Or would you shy away from claiming that you have divine qualities? To answer this question for yourself, you may want to look at your life story.
Were there times when you expressed humility, truthfulness, equanimity, detachment from attachments, courage, sobriety, innocence, simplicity, diligence, or serenity?
When you look at a picture of yourself between the ages of babyhood and six or seven years, do you see any of the virtues listed above?
As an adult, have you loved anyone that was very difficult to love?
Have you sacrificed for someone?
Have you included anyone who didn’t meet the requirements for inclusion?
Have you stated your truth even though it risked persecution and rejection?
Have you foregone vengeance even though everyone encouraged you to take it?
Have you been able to congratulate sincerely the success of a competitor?
Have you brought someone into the fullness of their being?
Have you encouraged someone who had lost belief in themselves?
Have you given someone a second chance?
Have you forgiven someone who hurt you? Have you forgiven yourself?
Have you exhibited courage when fear ripped through you?
Have you sat with God alone?
Have you loved unconditionally?
Have you felt the affirmation of a spiritual community?
Have you moved mountains to get something done that seemed impossible to do? Have you been aligned with goodness, righteousness, and mercy?
Have you admitted that you were wrong?
Have you walked in humility?
Have you freely given your wisdom to someone without expectations?
Take a look at your answers to the questions above. You could not have answered “yes” to any of these unless you allowed for the possibility that divine energy comes from your soul.
We all have fallen short, sinned, and erred tremendously. Of course, we all have the challenge of contending with an ego that runs astray at times. But our failings do not make us. It is our spiritual intention and our expression of goodness that redeems us and reconciles everything. It is our divine spark that grows us and makes our story. Without knowing it, we would not know our story.
Meister Eckhart says, “Every creature is a word of God and a book about God.” That means you and me.
Self-inquiry: What would keep you from claiming that you have a divine nature?
Dear God,
Thank you for our stories. Amen
