Drawing from the folklore and scripture of other cultures, as well as her own monastic tradition, Sister Joan Chittister develops a spirituality that understands what it means to be human and the importance of seeing others for what they truly are-sacred. Centered around twelve questions-from "What does it mean to be enlightened?" to "How is caring for the earth spiritual?"- Becoming Fully Human reveals that no matter our color, economic or social status, or religion, we are all dealing with the same human desires, fears, needs, feelings and hopes. Coming to see the heart of the other allows us to see our own, which in turn leads us to live lives dedicated to respect, holiness, balance, and peace. “Chittister's small book is rich in its implications. Highly recommended.” ―Graham Christian, Library Journal “Characteristically, Chittister challenges the reader to seek the underlying motivation behind each [human] activity. In her words, she hopes to 'heighten our sensitivities to the point that there is no such thing as a moment without meaning for us'...She presents simple explanations for what might otherwise seem too profound for ordinary life.” ― Liguorian “Consider this work as an example of the growth and transformation that can come from reading and savoring the spiritual words of others. Chittister knows that light can come in from all directions... [Joan] recognizes that tough questions can propel us into a deeper appreciation for the meaning of life and the mystery of God.” ―Spirituality & Health, Praise for Joan's memoir Called to Question (2004) “This paperback contains twelve soul-stretching meditations on issues that touch the central core of our lives in relationship to God, the world, and others.” ―Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Growth Joan Chittister is a Benedictine sister, best-selling author, and a well-known national and international lecturer. She is the recent author of Called to Question: A Spiritual Memoir (Sheed & Ward 2004). In 2007 she was awarded the Outstanding Leadership Award from The Leadership Conference of Women Religious. Becoming Fully Human The Greatest Glory of God By Joan Chittister ROWMAN & LITTLEFIELD PUBLISHERS, INC. Copyright © 2005 Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-58051-146-9 Contents Introduction, IX, What Is a Simple Life? Matthew 6:30, 1, When Is War Unjust? Isaiah 2:4, 11, What Are The Blessings of Diminishment? Psalm 23:6, 21, What Is Sanctity? Matthew 5:48, 31, How Is Caring for the Earth Spiritual? Revelation 7:3, 41, What Can Christians Learn from the Koran, Dhammapada, Bhagavad Gita, and Lotus Sermons? John 17:21, 51, When Is Care for the Self/Care for the Other Excessive? Matthew 22:39, 63, How Does One Balance Patient Waiting and Action on Behalf of Justice? Luke 18:11, 73, What Does It Mean to be Faithful in the Face of Failure? Psalm 78:1, 83, What Does It Mean to Be Enlightened? Proverbs 1:20, 93, How Can We Be Grateful in the Midst of Violence, Suffering, and Loss? Psalm 107:1, 103, Do the Little Things Matter? Ecclesiastes 1:2–3, 113, CHAPTER 1 What Is a Simple Life? Matthew 6:30 If God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will God not much more clothe you? There is a story in the annals of monastic literature that has always both charmed and troubled me. Once upon a time, this story tells, a seeker stopped at the cell of one of the monastics of the Egyptian desert seeking a word from the Spirit. But when he entered the old monastic's cell, the seeker was shocked at the sight of it. In the cell were a mat, a table, some utensils, a book, and a prayer corner. Nothing else. Not one thing else. "Where is your furniture?" the seeker said. "Well, where is yours?" the monastic answered. "Why would I have furniture?" the seeker said. "After all, I'm only passing through." "Exactly," the old monastic said. "And so am I." Is that it? I asked myself. Is that simplicity of life? Is simplicity "poverty," and is poverty a virtue? And, if so, what good is poverty when people everywhere—including here in the richest country of the world—are dying because of it? I've given a lot of thought to this topic—not simply in regard to you and your life but with my own life in mind as well. After all, as I write to you about simplicity, my CD player is playing a Bach violin concerto softly and the fireplace glows behind me. And fireplace and quiet notwithstanding, I spend hours on the phone talking to technicians as I try to arm-wrestle into compliance the little three-pound computer on which I now write since I long ago put away my yellow pad and ballpoint pen. What is simplicity of life? And is it possible at all anymore in a culture surrounded by the gadgets—the food processors and microwave ovens and cell phones and camcorders and e-mail and UPS tracking systems—that we never actually foresaw but now