For Sunday June 24th, 2018

Hello everyone, in today's vast expanse of financially driven modern media we are awash with sensationalist outrage, adamant viewpoints, and selfishly motivated reasoning. Such anger and bitterness can destroy a person's peace of mind. 

Yet we are social animals who depend upon one another. We benefit greatly from applying love and compassion in the situations we encounter. Such compassion brings optimism and hope.

Let us sit this Sunday for the wisdom to choose wisely and lovingly for ourselves and in our interactions with others. May we have the courage and insight to see the person standing behind the opinions. May we prep our society for the healing which must occur.

Thank you all,

Richard

For Sunday June 17th, 2018

Hello to everyone, it is said that true stillness cannot be imposed but must be arrived at, because to make yourself 'not think' is to be doing something. And, paradoxically, to truly do nothing at all is to be absolutely fully awake and aware, especially of yourself and your own mind. This is remarkably difficult because we have been mentally trained throughout life to condemn, to approve, and to compare; in other words – to think.

A truly quieted mind is free, free to observe without comment - and free enough to learn.

May we sit this Sunday in favor of true quietness. May we follow the path of observation. May we learn our way forward in this life.

Thank you all,

Richard

For Sunday June 10th, 2018

Hello everyone, beliefs are strange things, requiring effort. Beliefs must be formulated, refined, adhered to, defended, and perhaps maintained at all costs even in the face of opposing evidence.

Yet we do not need a belief that there are mountains, or sunshine, or air. These things simply are. We know the truth of them. Are there deeper things which 'simply are'? Deeper things whose truth can be known without need of defense? 

In a state of fervent prayer or intense meditation we may come to know many such things, to know them beyond question.

May we sit this Sunday for that depth which cannot be described with words. May we learn things which can be experienced but not taught. May spiritual truths become known in the absolute silence. 

Thank you all,

Richard

For Sunday June 3rd, 2018

Hello everyone, having the self-awareness to recognize whether we are loving outwardly or acting from self-serving desires is essential. Our thoughts, words, and actions reverberate outwardly for years, and the intentions which drive them can color our world for generations. As the future depends upon the seeds we plant now, let us be aware and choose carefully.

May we sit this evening for the future which is set in motion today. May we have the love and the courage to see beyond our human frailties. May our spirituality, our true compassion, shine through for all.

Thank you,

Richard