One of my favorite authors is the great Hoosier science fiction writer, Kurt Vonnegut. A theme he often plays with in many of his novels is the notion that human beings are becoming more machine-like in their dependence on technology and corporations merely reacting to their own cultural programming. But this is where the spiritual life and contemplation comes in, and it’s even essential, I’d argue.
Vonnegut was no Christian but he once wrote, “Our awareness is all that is alive and may be sacred to any of us. Everything else about us is dead machinery.” Brother Greg Cellini’s story invites us to adopt the awareness Vonnegut is writing about. His story invites us to consider where our dreams and desires are coming from, and to really get curious about their source. And my hope is that Brother Greg’s story might move us to take on St. Francis’ words and boldly pray his prayer. Who are you, my God? And who am I?
—from Franciscan Media’s Off the Page
with host Stephen Copeland, featuring Brother Greg Cellini, OSF
