We can begin to understand the bigger story we are a part of when we engage with the unique Christian sense of time, process, and journey. This perception is presented beautifully in the Grail quest; it’s the story of a young man searching for God and himself. Through ongoing trials and temptations, the young man pushes toward God, almost without knowing it. God leads him forward through family, failure, violence, visitors, betrayal, sexuality, nature, shadow, and vision. God comes to him “disguised as his life.” The story is told in language most men can relate to, not in “churchy” language. It’s a tale told with muscle, merit, and meaning.

Everything on this journey is necessary and grace filled. For the man on the quest, the universe becomes enchanting — an effect that good religion accomplishes. There are no dead ends, no wasted time, no useless characters or meaningless happenings. All has meaning, and God is in all things waiting to speak and to bless. Everything belongs once a man is on his real quest and asking the right questions.

- Excerpted from On The Threshold of Transformation by Richard Rohr, ORM