That's How the Light Gets In
A line from a Leonard Cohen song, Anthem, entered into our
General Chapter that ended a couple of weeks ago. The refrain resonated among
those gathered and was frequently repeated as we talked about our present and future
together: “There is a crack, a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets
in.”
Systems and institutions (including our Congregation and
organizations in which I have worked), often appear rock-solid and immovable.
There are things that seem to work fine, so why change? Systems like our
criminal justice system, among others, are indisputably very broken. There are
also individuals in every system who stand firmly and unyieldingly in rigidity
and intolerance of differences. However, cracks show themselves and light gets
in.
Imperfections inspire curiosity and imagination. Disruptions
help us discover connections. Forces of divisiveness and abuse of power spark
voices that advocate for justice and right-relationships. Rays of hope shimmer from within the mess. Reflections of wholeness also amazingly offer
possibilities for something new to emerge. Can you hear it? See it?
“Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering.
There is a crack, a crack in everything.
That's how the light gets in.”
Where are the cracks and the light showing up for you? How are you responding?
Forget your perfect offering.
There is a crack, a crack in everything.
That's how the light gets in.”
Where are the cracks and the light showing up for you? How are you responding?
Tanya Williams, OP
St. Louis Park, MN
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