For this Sunday evening, additional

Hello all, as the situation in Egypt has developed it has seemed reasonable to send some energy there. The need for patience, humility, respectful attention to concerns, and careful choosing is clear. May we sit this evening for God's Light to come down upon the Egyptian people, their leaders, and all involved.

 

Thank you,

 

Richard

For Sunday, January 30th, 2010

A question came up recently about how to teach ethics and morals to the general public without engaging the concept of religion. The problem appeared to be one of seeing ethics and morals as part of the 'rules of religion' rather than being the natural language of the heart. It would seem that when you truly and honestly live from your heart, you would naturally treat people ethically and morally.

 

May we sit this Sunday for this simple distinction. May we learn it, employ it, and in doing so produce it in the world.

 

As above, so below,

 

Richard

For Sunday, January 23rd, 2011

Hello all, on a recent talk show about various religions the guests were very cordial and respectful of each other. It was beautiful and hopeful as they were clearly searching for common ground, a way to connect. However, the greatest common ground and deepest connection went un-noted - that the various religions are, at their core, differing descriptions of the same divine source.

It's easy to imagine that the connectedness implied therein, and the humility to accept it, would be helpful in the world today.

May we sit this Sunday for that connection, for that humility, which would most benefit the world at this time. May we sit for the uplifting of others and ourselves as well.

Thank you,

Richard

For Sunday, January 16th, 2011

Hello all, Ghandi's quote, "Be the change you wish to see in the world" can be stated more immediately as, "You are what the world is".

In the wake of the tragedy in Tucson, Arizona many theories concerning angry, divisive speech have been floated on the media ocean. Politicians and pundits have had a field day. In simple terms though, whatever one says or does in this world is a promotion of that attitude. If someone is kind and thoughtful, they are promoting kindness and thoughtfulness. If one is angry and divisive, they are promoting anger and divisiveness - by their very action - whether anyone is listening or not.

 

We manifest from our thoughts, to our words, to our actions - every day.

 

May we sit this Sunday for the awareness of that responsibility, and the guidance to choose the highest path, in ourselves as well as in others.

 

Thank you,

 

Richard

For Sunday, January 9th, 2010

Hello all, firstly - the documentary video 'Forgiving Dr. Mengele' is about Eva Kors, a woman who chooses to forgive her childhood tormentor, the man who tried to kill her and did kill the rest of her family. Her inner strength shines through in every frame. In discussions with other Auschwitz survivors her spiritual wisdom shines as well. However, when she takes her concept of forgiveness to Palestine, where she is seen as an oppressor, she is overwhelmed and has trouble coping with the situation.

Secondly - there is a quote from a medical student, who grew up in a dysfunctional family, in Barbara Whitfield's The Natural Soul: "Spirit helped me to understand that all of the conflict was necessary for all of us to grow at our own rate and according to our own spiritual readiness."

The merger of these two paragraphs is in forgiving humanity itself for having inadequacies. We are on a path which at times has immense difficulties, but I trust will end well. To grow through our dis-ease then come to reach out and help others is an integral part of that path. While caught up in a dis-ease this can feel fairly far out of reach. But when enough love is attained to promote strength and healing the great beauty of the process can be seen.

May we sit this week for that beauty, for that fullness of heart, for the completion of our spiritual paths.

Thank you,

Richard