Vulnerable Pattern

 

“They kept each other in contact with a pattern that was very old and endlessly fruitful—the vulnerable pattern of the universe, which is always, it seems, beginning anew.” Richard Rohr

As winter turns to spring and Lent turns toward Easter, I am reminded of those endless patterns which traverse darkness and light, night and day, grief and joy. And I am intrigued by Rohr’s coupling of “vulnerable” with “pattern”?! An eternal pattern might be usually associated with certainty or strength but vulnerable? 

Perhaps the wonder of the word is in its counter-cultural significance of openness and porousness. Perhaps vulnerability does not indicate non-eternity; rather a vulnerable pattern is one which embraces all creation in all its nuanced variety and holds it, holds us, in a timeless journey toward resurrection life, new, unique and “fruitful”.

The pattern is at first glance of sameness but its elements are varied. Sunrise and sunset, count on them to occur and never repeat in color. Within the continuum there are differing openings, in cloud cover and pressures of humidity and moisture. Rendering a rich texture to the “pattern” attributable to “vulnerability”.

As I and we approach the edge of the wilderness, there is a sliver of light. A sharp shard of glistening hope. We have been shaped by the challenges of these 40 days. If “vulnerable” to the encounters with anxiety and delight as well, we have become part of the very pattern and promise of eternal life. We have glimpsed the new beginnings: green shoots, nests of open beaks, rushing streams of melted snow, and more daily light….incarnate hope.