Off the Page 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 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.
The show notes are available here.
(00:00:01) Introduction
(00:01:57) Spirituality of Aging
(00:03:46) Wisdom Years
(00:05:41) Insane for the Light: Story Behind the Title
(00:07:45) Getting Our Lives Together, Giving Our Lives Away
(00:12:53) Reflection No. 1: Seven Movements Toward Spiritual Maturity
(00:14:32) Giving Your Death Away
(00:15:58) Metanoia and Paranoia
(00:20:36) Pondering: Carrying and Transforming Tension
(00:27:27) How Pain Can Deepen Us
(00:34:59) Dark Nights of Faith
(00:38:37) “My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?”
(00:42:57) When the Power Point Stops Working
(00:43:53) Reflection No. 2: Take On Your Higher Mind
(00:46:43) Understanding More By Not Understanding
(00:48:06) Activity and Passivity
(00:54:10) When You Feel Helpless
(00:58:16) Reflection No. 3: Activity and Passivity
(00:58:30) The Gift and Challenge of Passivity (Passion)
(01:03:50) When You’re Told You Don’t Have Much Time to Live
(01:07:07) A Creed for Giving Your Life and Death Away
(01:09:15) Conclusion