May 9, 2022

I like the way the Australian author dismantles the myth of steady personal progress and improvement in life. In America, is characters are described as losers. He describes them as "battlers". Says Carey, "A battler is someone who struggles forever and will never, ever, really get anywhere. And in Australia that's a really honorable position."

By the grace of God “progress” might – just might – look like the Apostle Paul’s description in Romans.  “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5: 1-5)

Note that God is charge of the whole shooting match, from Alpha to Omega.

“Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” (Fifth Sunday of Easter – BCP)