I haven’t officially signed up to be on the Synchroblog list, but since I received an email to participate, I will put in an unofficial post on “God’s Fools”.

There are many explanations of what a Holy Fool is or a Fool for Christ. But to me a Holy Fool is one who dares to reveal to you who you are. In that case everyone is a fool for Christ to me. Everyone reveals to me my inadequacies and failings. If they communicate that they love me, I know that I am unworthy and am incapable of returning it in the proper way. If they communicate criticism, I know that it is worse than they say. Everyone shows me that I am the most pitiful of weak sinners. Even if I feel strong in some area, I know that comparing myself is vain and selfish, and that they are more humble and loving by not having that strength, or if I’m wrong and they do have that strength, they are bearing it better than I. If they categorize me favorably, my vanity and pride is revealed as well. If they are more advanced, gifted, or giving in an area I covet, then they show me my resentment, jealousy, greed, laziness, or idolatry. So I am indebted to everyone for showing me my faults, even though I avoid it oftentimes, and I pray that I may know more of them and some day be granted repentance by the prayers of any whose attention is however fleetingly bestowed. In being invited to write about this, I have also been shown what a self-centered person I am. Lord have mercy and get thee to a monastery and pray for it with every breath! Go, save yourselves!