Activity and Passivity

We set great store by activity and busy-ness. We want to be in control. We value what we do more than who we are. So when we become ill, or retire from work, or suffer an enforced period of inactivity, our self-esteem is threatened. We evade, repudiate, or resent experiences of passivity, of waiting.

Transformative Understanding

This classic of spiritual writing transforms our understanding of the experiences of illness, or of being out of work, or feeling inactive and powerless. W. H. Vanstone shows us the unquestioned and impressive majesty of Jesus as he waits before those who accuse him, waits before those who taunt him and, finally, waits before even those who crucify him. It is in his passivity and passion, when we have things done to us instead of doing things, the times when we simply wait, are as important as the times of action and taking charge.