Blessing.

Bless him,

deliver him from

the web of evil,

lift him up,

guide him,

touch his heart,

and bring him Home.


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Rock of Light.

You wear light

like a garment,

O rock of

my salvation.


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Blessed.

Future generations will call us blessed.

"How beautiful upon the mountains
     are the feet of the messenger who
        announces peace,
    who brings good news,
        who announces salvation,
        who says to Zion 'Your God reigns'."

Isaiah 52:7 (NRSV)


[Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.]


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Treachery.

When we experience treachery we should realize that the people involved
are acting out of fear and insecurity.

These people don't believe that they can win, so they turn against us.

This is fear.

Fear of losing out.

If we can see this for what it is we can pray for them to be helped with their fear.

Thus we can have a benevolent attitude towards them despite their treachery.

This is what it means to love your enemies.

As Jesus did on the cross.


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Modernism.

Modernism tends to dismiss anything that came before science as worthless.

But religion and philosophy are about life and how we live it.
And this was as true in 3000 BCE as it is today.

Scientific knowledge informs our worldview and our vision which helps to dispel superstition and ignorance.
But the way of the heart is as ancient as humanity.

Science ignores the human dimension of life.
This is why modernism failed.

But Egyptian religion, the Buddha, Jesus and their successors all recommend the way of the heart as the answer to life's problems.

And this is as true for modernism as it was for them.


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The Rings of Saturn.

Saturn has a reputation for being dour and dull.

This is because it is the farthest planet visible from the earth.
So it appears faint and dull.

But when we come closer to Saturn it is quite beautiful with its colored bands and its rings.

What could this mean?

Saturn also governs the pinnacle - the best of things - like silk or satin.

It must be remembered that Saturn also governs rewards as well as restrictions.
He is immaculate and glorious.

Discipline is beautiful.

So perhaps Saturn has been maligned.

We should come closer and see his beauties.


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Judge No One.

"'You judge by human standards, I judge no one.'"  John 8:15 (NRSV)

Jesus made this statement to the Pharisees in the treasury of the temple.

"'I do nothing on my own but I speak these things as the Father instructed me.'"  John 8:28b (NRSV)

Jesus was making a distinction between how human beings on earth see things and how the Father sees things.

"'The Father judges no one.'"  John 5:22a (NRSV)

People on earth believe in natural justice - rewards for good behavior and punishment for bad behavior.
But God punishes no one.

God gives everyone a second chance.
He does not judge us but helps us to grow and progress towards the light.

Even the most heinous criminals are His children and He will not reject them.

"The Lord is not slow about His promise as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish."  2 Peter 3:9 (NRSV)


[Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.]


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