Aaron Niequist writes “Fr Rohr’s simple observation paints with a broad brush, but it contains a profound truth. So many of us men (especially white and middle class) were taught to step up, speak up, and occupy our space in this world. This isn’t entirely bad, but without the self-emptying path of Christ, we men often become destructive in our self-oriented confidence. Those of us raised to see ourselves at the center must learn how to die every day.
Overwhelmingly, women don’t experience the world in the same way. From a young age, many women are taught to play small, defer to the loudest dude, and hide their power. This toxic messaging has caused so much damage—in them and in the world. Which is why the resurrection of Christ offers such a needed and healing invitation. A new and divinely empowered life is possible.
This dynamic can play out in any imbalance of power. Those who have been on the upside are invited to follow Christ to the cross, and those who have been on the underside get lifted up in resurrection. And because many have experienced both realities through overlapping identities, the difficult work of discernment is usually required. We are rarely just one thing. But above all, in the unsearchable Wisdom of God, the ultimate goal is the same: being conformed into the loving image of Christ, as part of a new humanity, for the sake of the world.
As a white, straight, middle class, Christian male, I don’t share this lightly. So much of Christ’s invitation to me is about the cross. Kenosis. Losing in order to find. I can see it but I struggle to live it out with any regularity. May God mercifully guide us all into our next right step in the Way.”