Ep. 25 | Ronald Rolheiser | A Spirituality of Aging and Letting Go

What does it mean to age with grace, to let go without losing hope, and to face life’s deepest losses with open hands? What does it mean to move toward spiritual maturity as life unfolds, and how can a spirituality of letting go help take us there? In this conversation, Fr. Ronald Rolheiser joins Off the Page to explore themes from his powerful new book, "Insane for the Light: A Spirituality for Our Wisdom Years," which was released on October 28, 2025. From the raw beauty of metanoia to the transformative power of passivity, Fr. Ron reveals how suffering, helplessness, and even death can become our greatest gifts—if we dare to live while we’re dying. Ronald Rolheiser, OMI, is a Roman Catholic priest and member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. He is a theologian, professor, award-winning author, and he served as president of the Oblate School of Theology. He is known for his lectures, globally-syndicated column "In Exile," and his bestselling books "The Holy Longing" and "Sacred Fire." See the show notes here: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/podca.... 00:00 Introduction 01:57 Spirituality of Aging 03:46 Wisdom Years 05:41 Insane for the Light: Story Behind the Title 7:45 Getting Our Lives Together, Giving Our Lives Away 12:53 Reflection No. 1: Seven Movements Toward Spiritual Maturity 14:32 Giving Your Death Away 15:58 Metanoia and Paranoia 20:36 Pondering: Carrying and Transforming Tension 27:27 How Pain Can Deepen Us 34:59 Dark Nights of Faith 38:37 “My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?” 42:57 When the Power Point Stops Working 43:53 Reflection No. 2: Take On Your Higher Mind 46:43 Understanding More By Not Understanding 48:06 Activity and Passivity 54:10 When You Feel Helpless 58:16 Reflection No. 3: Activity and Passivity 58:30 The Gift and Challenge of Passivity (Passion) 1:03:50 When You’re Told You Don’t Have Much Time to Live 1:07:07 A Creed for Giving Your Life and Death Away 1:09:15 Conclusion