For Sunday, May 1st, 2011

Hello all, the concept of having conscious contact with God came up recently. It was also referred to as the 'spiritual glue' that binds us together lovingly. It is seen in the level of personal contentment a person has, satisfaction with life, and how others are treated by self.

 

Amidst the swirling chaos which the world can be sometimes, may we sit for conscious contact, for that spiritual glue which binds and propels us forward in this journey of life.

 

Thank you,

 

Richard

For Sunday, April 24th, 2011

Hello all, the recent seismic events in Japan were horrific in the devastation of lives and property. Physical reality can be gross and painful, even while spiritual ideals are pure and perfect. As part of her natural life cycle this big blue marble Earth has to 'do her thing' and humans are sometimes involved. Seeing spiritual beauty in these interactions with Earth's natural processes comes with perspective. There is typically an opening of hearts, an outpouring of love, a spiritual uplifting, after a natural disaster.

Spiritual cleansing is the basic goal of a life on Earth, a preparation for later on. It may come at the ending of a life, or any time before.

While there are many very appropriate responses to any calamity, for this Sunday night, let us sit. May we sit for the cleansing of humanity, for our own cleansing, and for the courage to follow Divine Will, wherever it may lead.

Thank you,

Richard

For Sunday, April 17th, 2011

Hello all, in the dog training books by Cesar Millan, of "Dog Whisperer" fame, he maintains that dogs are hard-wired, no matter what their problems, to move toward that which is natural and balanced whenever given the chance. In the human experience we can see the inclination for that but, due to free will, it's not hard-wired. There has to be a level of receptivity in humans, and receptivity requires humility.

To drop our arrogance about being 'right', to drop our selfishness about wanting more, to release our fears of what may be and attachments to what has been, requires an open and intelligent humility.

May we sit for that open, honest, intelligent humility this Sunday. May we sit for it in ourselves and in the world.

Thank you,

Richard

For Sunday, April 10th, 2011

Hello all, in our culture today, one of the measurements for politicians is 'sticks to their guns-principles-ideology no matter what'. Compromise is equalled to 'caving in' while cooperation for the greater good is completely ignored. Yet, if a traffic light malfunctions people immediately begin cooperating to get through the intersection unscathed; nature itself is healthiest when there is balanced cooperation; and one of the measurments of childhood is 'plays well with others'.

 

It seems clear that ideological differences among politicians are largely a justification for deeper power struggles, who gets to control the flow of money to their supporters. Yet it is compassionate cooperation, the honest concern for others, that is a hallmark of a thriving society.

 

May we sit this Sunday for that compassionate cooperation, for the honest concern, for the opening of hearts in our politicians and leaders. May the Light of the Divine come down and guide us through the times we're facing.

 

Thank you,

 

Richard

For Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 - additional

Hello all, as the sun shines upon the Earth some will see a sunrise while others see a sunset, some will be shaded by clouds while others receive the light of high noon. Yet it is all the same sun, shining on everyone, seen only from different angles, from different positions in life.

The writings of the great religions of the world are an attempt to uplift, to illuminate, our lives. In our limited human way; with our misunderstandings, inadequacies, and arrogance, we can easily argue over our interpretations of these writings - and completely miss the lessons.

Under the heading of 'completely missing the lesson' I'd like to add Rev. Terry Jones in Florida to our focus. We are each in a unique position to heal the rifts we have incurred by our actions in this life, a lot of good can come from a single open heart. May we sit for each other. May we sit for wisdom. May we sit for the Ultimate Love to shine down upon us all.

Thank you,

Richard