Reflection Questions
Welcome to the Wisdom of the World - Joan Chittister

Chapter 14 - "Does Anything Really Matter?"

In this compelling chapter, Chittister poses many difficult questions which require one to reflect at a deep level. Together, these questions are summarized by the chapter’s title.  “The answer must surely be only those things matter for which we would risk our own public approval, our own security, our personal popularity, and even our eventual success.  Everything else is either mere show or empty heartedness, the kind that is, at best, only a shallow impersonation of the fullness of humanity toward which we all strive.”  (p. 96)

 And so I ask myself, does anything really matter to me?  For what am I willing to risk the approval and affirmation of others, my own security and success? 

 In light of the story of Moshe Leib, what are my compass points that guide me through difficulties in my life?  --- Can I think of a personal experience that required me to let go of worldly recognition, etc. in order to live what really matters to me?

Chapter 15 - "Why Was I Born?"

 “In one sense, holiness is that dimension of us which simply surpasses what can rightly be expected of the average human being in order to become, in another sense, everything that can possibly be expected of a human being who is fully human.”  (p. 100)   Mary Louise chose to live life fully despite her physical limitations; and the old rabbi who, in secret, cared for an old gentile woman, exemplifies a person who went beyond societal expectations.  Both Mary Louise and the rabbi live lives that are “fully human and thus breathtakingly holy.”  (p. 101)

 In what ways do I live life fully? 

 Do I go beyond what is normally expected in order to achieve what is fully human and thus breathtakingly holy?  What are some examples?  What are my challenges?

 “Why was I every born? the answer seems to be a simple one:  we are born to finish what God has left undone.”  (p. 101)  What does this statement say about my purpose, my reason for being here in this world?