Radical Amazement

Abraham Joshua Heschel speaks

of radical amazement.

Of those moments in ordinary life,

when the Sea of Reeds is parted,

and for a fraction of a second something different,

something different,

something different

is glimpsed.

A finger points at the sliver of a moon against a startling sky,

and only a fool would look at the finger, he offers.

How often are we fools in our ordinary, daily lives.

The Sea of Reeds parts so many times each day,

and like Jacob we should say

ma norah ha-makom ha-ze,

how awesome is this place,

and I, I did not know it.

There are obvious daily calls to radical amazement

like the silver moon sliver, the first star;

the angel soft breath of a grandchild;

the lighting of Shabbat candles;

the sunshine on a ruby garden tomato;

the moment of unexpected kindness

offered by the usually difficult child.

What, however, about the radical amazement

when we look, really look

into the eyes of the homeless man, when we give him a cup of coffee,

and a tuna sandwich, and truly receive his blessing?

What about the radical amazement

when we pause before yelling at our annoying partner,

and know we have a choice to step into his shoes?

What about the radical amazement when we walk

in silence, no cell phone

and listen, listen for the still, small voice within?

What about the radical amazement

when we lie quietly upon awakening,

and ponder the dream curling around the edges of our consciousness,

possibly even offering some guidance?

What about the radical amazement when we touch the many wrinkles

around our aged eyes with wonder and affection?

We are fools, bless us all,

and dry land, radical amazement,

is always only a breath away.

—Jennifer (Jinks) Hoffmann.  June 8, 2007.

Reflection: As spiritual directors, you create space for “radical amazement” with your spiritual directees each time you meet. Where in life do you find an awakening to this “radical” grace?