State of Unknowing

Sometimes I’ve wondered, why is it we can put a man on the moon, but can’t solve problems of hunger? Why is it we can put a powerful computer in everybody’s pocket, and connect people all over the world in an instant, but can’t curb gun violence – even in our schools?

I think we’ve come to realize that one of the reasons why science and technology have advanced so far is because the whole model, the whole scientific method, is based on the ability to say, I don’t know. I’ve got this theory. It may be wrong, but let’s test it. Even, let’s prove it wrong and learn something. And when scientists do approach a problem thinking they know the answer, or need the answer to be in line with those who are funding the study, that’s when everything goes wrong. Every bias plays in… Blind spots are everywhere…

On the other hand, it is a stance of openness, humility, willingness to admit we were wrong, and a desire to learn that takes us far down the road.  

This is one of the things faith and science have in common. 

Thirteenth-century Christian Mystic Meister Eckhard once wrote: “Where (God) is to be heard, there must be stillness and silence… There (God) can be heard and properly understood, and there (in that stillness and silence,) we are in a state of unknowing. Where we know nothing, there God reveals himself and makes himself known.”

In other words, there is a letting go of what we think we know – an opening of mind and spirit that allows room for God to do something new within us. There is a level of humility that makes space for healing and growth, and that ultimately allows our relationships to flourish.

Let us pray: God of grace, sometimes we think we have it all figured out, and that we have you all figured out. And we admit that sense of certitude is limiting. Help us to let you, and to trust you.  Grant us open minds and open hearts that you would do a new thing in us. Bring healing where it is needed. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.