Response To Heschel's Expression Of God

Heschel might define wholeness as a person having recognized that they are an expression of transcendent meaning, that they understand the personal indebtedness and respond by fully participating in the Missio Dei and ultimately carrying out a personal task of “such importance ‘that fulfillment may optimize the meaning of all humanity’” (Morgan, 2005, p. 195).
The Missio Dei is so vast, and likely incomprehensible to us, that it would be nearly impossible to determine how many people actually transcend to this level. Yet I think of Teresa of Avila as a possible example when I read through Heschel’s work. Although I have not studied her work in order to learn whether or not she understood herself to be an expression of the divine, she certainly
The preponderance of traditional teaching and preaching revolves around our seeking to know God and deepen our relationship with God. It seems far less common that we hear that God is constantly seeking us. Yet I do not see this as equivalent to saying that “God is in need of man…” (Morgan, 2005, p. 150). That God created humankind and desires relationship seems clear. However, there is a great deal of difference between God’s desire for a relationship with mankind and a statement that God needs us. In spite of the fact that we might point back to God seeking out mankind in the Garden of Eden, this does not show need but rather desire. Understanding the concept that God is in search of us is Jewish teaching, one must wonder if there is more to this
This is key to all spiritual growth. Secondly, we may just need to ‘fake it until we make it’. For example, many people are aware of the needs or suffering of others and volunteer to help in different ways. While we, and they, might like to think that they have moved beyond “obtaining and seizing” to “giving and providing’, I am not sure that is true. Some feel obligated because of help they received in the past when they were in need, some feel good about themselves because they give back, some feel better about themselves when they compare their own condition to other’s lot in life, while many help because they are able. But seemingly few give to the point of sacrifice. And while that may not be necessary, it would be an indicator that we are working from our heart and not our heads. When we give of what we have left after ensuring our needs are met, we continue to attempt to live in solitude, living in fear of the future and continuing to plan and live within our world of control and “process”. However, perhaps this is part of our journey which can help us to one day recognize an event which offers us the opportunity to