Monday 28 January 2008

Oops...sorry for the partial send over the weekend. Here's the whole devotion.

We're spending quite a bit of time on Thomas Merton's comments about Gandhi. But Merton does a good making sure we see both the subtle and dramatic aspects of Gandhi's work.

All the political acts of Gandhi were, then, at the same time spiritual and religious acts in fulfillment of the Hindu dharma (religion, duty). They were meaningful on at least three different levels at once: first as acts of religious worship, second as symbolic and educative acts bringing the Indian people to a realization of their true needs and their place in the life of the world, and finally they had a universal import as manifestations of urgent truths, the unmasking of political falsehood, awakening all men to the demands of the time and to the need for renewal and unity on a world scale.

It would do all of us well if we were able to consider the various ways our actions engage the world around us. The process of thought might cause us to slow down what we do and make sure that when we act we take into consideration more than our immediate wants...even needs. I really do think there is a great value in making sure that at some level, our everyday actions are symbolic. Others may or may not see the symbolism...but we do. It may mean that our side doesn't win or we do not make it all the way to the end. Then again, the action is all about the meantime. What is it bringing into the moment at time and what impact is it having on me...and possibly you? Part of a symbolic act may be that it does shake the foundations of the system. I didn't day destroy those foundations. Rather, shake them. It is in that shaking -even like a earthquake that is hardly noticed- that some heads turn and there is a realization that we must not hold too tightly onto the things of our lives. What more might there be...how do we go there...who will benefit?

Connection: Sometimes symbolic acts can get into the way of living among others. Therefore, it is important to act in ways that set us free rather than bind us up. Each of us must find those actions on our own.

As your Spirit seems to encounter us in many ways, O God, our lives become a part of how you act among us. Many times, we do not consider that we are instruments of your Reign and the way we walk through this day may be how your love and compassion and justice and mercy will be experience by another. Make us bold in our lives. Amen.