Transformation and a New Shore

Richard Rohr in his “Daily Meditation” (March 9, 2018) compares change and transformation. He says, “Change of itself just happens; but spiritual transformation must become an actual process of letting go, living in the confusing dark space for a while, and allowing yourself to be spit up on a new and unexpected shore. The deep mystery of transformation is that God even uses our pain and shame to lead us closer to God's loving heart.”

Photo by Karen Streveler, OSB

Maybe that’s why Elizabeth Kübler-Ross was able to observe that the most beautiful people are those who have known defeat, suffering, struggle and loss and have found their way out of the depths. She finds that these persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness and a deep loving concern. When this transformation eventually emerges, it is essential to acknowledge that the transformed space, their arrival on a new shore, likely took time and immense letting go.

For most of us, transformation doesn’t happen without the presence of a variety of companions on the journey. For many, the way to a “new shore” includes leaning on a Source that is larger than themselves. It reminds me of a familiar story that describes the experience of a traveler who was on a plane which experienced a great amount of turbulence. Many passengers quickly showed how fearful they were becoming, but one child just kept reading her book and showed no fear. After the plane landed, the passenger went up to the child and asked her why she was not afraid during the storm. The child replied, “Because my daddy’s the pilot and he’s taking me home.”

Mary Rachel Kuebelbeck, OSB