For Sunday November 30, 2014

Hello all, as protests continue around the shooting in Ferguson, MO., one question stands out - where is wisdom? There's plenty of blame to go around. Cries for justice ring out. Certainly there is a high level of frustration on all sides, along with the occasional call for calmness. But where is wisdom, insight into the human heart, and a larger perhaps uplifting perspective?

At the end of apartheid in South Africa the Truth and Reconciliation Commission understood that the focus of retributive justice is to fix blame for the past, but the basis of restorative justice is to create the future.

Our courts and judicial systems must do their thing, but our future lies in whatever we may do next. Under the heading of "There's no one you couldn't love if you knew their story" let us sit this Sunday for the wisdom and love to treat all we encounter as we wish to be treated ourselves. 

With heart-felt thanks to all,

Richard

For Sunday November 23rd, 2014

Hello all, the traditional Irish folk song 'Bonny Portmore' is a lament of the demise of Ireland's old oak forests, often sold for English shipbuilding. Loreena McKennitt's version features the lines:

All the birds in the forest they bitterly weep,

Saying, "Where shall we shelter, where shall we sleep?"

  - and -

If I had you now as I had once before,

All the Lords in Old England would not purchase Portmore.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niS4Emp64q8

It's a reminder that money is fleeting, often gone in one generation. But our children, our grandchildren - and their grandchildren, will have to live on the land we leave behind.

May we sit this Sunday for the realization that money is not the final measure of life, that there are many to come along behind us, and that we are merely shepherds upon this Earth for a short time. 

Thank you,

Richard

For Sunday November 16th, 2014

Hello everyone, someone said recently, "If you look closely at my scars, you can see glimpses of gold." She was talking about her arm, but it holds just as true for the heart. As time passes, and life teaches its lessons, we all gain cracks and missing pieces. And, in time, it's possible for the repaired places to be stronger than the original. 

The Japanese art of Kintsugi is a method of repairing pottery using a resin mixed with gold. It's also a philosophy which speaks to breakage and repair becoming a part of one's own history. 

May we sit this Sunday for cracks and missing pieces to be repaired, strengthened, and to shine like gold; in ourselves, in others, and in the world.

With grateful thanks to all,

Richard

For Sunday November 9th, 2014

Hello all, just as each moment of life is precious, those moments may also be very difficult. And since we are spiritual beings having a human experience there is always a balance to be met. In the case of the long-term care of a loved one there is a beauty which cannot be measured, while the difficulties sometimes too easily encroach upon our humanness. 

May we sit this evening for those who have, are, or may yet be dealing with a long-term care situation. May support be found. May forgiveness for missteps be immediate and complete. May the beauty shine through along the way.

In gratitude,

Richard

For Sunday November 1st, 2014

Hello everyone, Eda Long just sent this quote from Thomas Merton:

"You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith, and hope."    

~Thomas Merton

This seems to apply equally well to personal and worldly situations. Each of us has, at every moment, the opportunity to respond from our best and for the best.

May we do so this Sunday evening, and every other moment we may find.

Thank you,

Richard