Holy Foolishness

"We know we are deep in His presence when we notice in ourselves a holy foolishness" (Thomas More).

Most of us never get there. We're not sure we want to get there. Holy foolishness is not one of the top ten experiences on our spiritual wish list. Holy composure, holy mysticism, holy awe, holy silence--these might make our list, not holy foolishness.

Isn't there enough religious foolishness already in the world? Who wants more?

But something strange happens when people who hunger for God are unexpectedly filled with an all but unbearable voltage of God's presence. His intrusion is so violent that it causes an eruption of uncontainable praise and worship. Our souls are too small to contain God's invasion. We cannot possibly sit still; we cannot stay quiet. Something has to give.

It is as the old spiritual says,

"Sit down, Brother!"
"I can't sit down!"
"Sit down, Brother!"
"I can't sit down!"
"Sit down, Brother!"
"I can't sit down.
I just got to heaven
and I can't sit down."

Cold composure, controlled sanctity won't work in times like this. (What has cold religion done for anyone anyway?)

Warning: holy foolishness is a risk to normal religious life. It is Spirit-ignited wildfire. Watch out. If the Wind blows on the flames, they'll spread out of control.

Holy foolishness. Are we ready for it?

"Do not quench the Spirit" (I Th. 5:9).