Grace not Karma - Bono

on September 18, 2011 by Walt Dilg

"Grace Not Karma - Bono"

In today's sermon on the on the beginning of the spiritual journey, that first stage of dawning religious consciousness, I quoted Bono, from U2.  In the passage, he speaks of how Grace up-ends Karma, and he finds life in its radical revision of life.  Here's the quote:

“It’s a mind-blowing concept that the God who created the Universe might be looking for company, a real relationship with people, but the thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between Grace and Karma. – You see, at the center of all religions is the idea of Karma.  You know, what you put out comes back to you: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics – in physical laws – every action is met by an equal or an opposite one.  It’s clear to me that Karma is at the very heart of the Universe.  I’m absolutely sure of it.  And yet, along comes this idea called Grace to upend all that ‘As you reap, so will you sow’ stuff.  Grace defies reason and logic.  Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed, because I’ve done a lot of stupid stuff. – I’m holding out that Jesus took my sins onto the Cross, because I know who I am, and I hope I don’t have to depend on my own religiosity.” (Bono in Conversation with Michka Assayas, 226)

Thank you Lord for a grace that surpasses the balance-sheet of Karma!