Some the most simple statements by Gandhi seem to make so much sense and yet demand a whole life change.
A non-violent revolution is not a program of seizure of power. It is a program of transformation of relationships, ending in a peaceful transfer of power.
Sounds quite like Jesus speaking with his disciples about being servants rather than gaining power to lord over others. In this kind of revolution that Gandhi proposes here, the revolt...and what becomes revolting to those who have power and expect preferential treatment...is that all people will be honored and power will not be taken from anyone. Instead, the power of every one's being will be maintained...from those considered the least to those considered to be the greatest. There may be differences in our power of being and our skills and our abilities, but within the realm of a non-violent action, all have a place and each and every life is held to be sacred. This frees everyone to be servant...and with that...everyone will be served. This can be a frightening situation for those who have great power and like to use it for their own benefit. Then again, this can also be frightening for those who have had little power in the community and are now given the opportunity to join in the fullness of life within this transforming community.
Connection: As long as we continue to press for my way to be the way even if it means that others will be pushed down - even verbally - there is a brutality in our day that need not continue. Honoring the lives of others is a step toward resisting the temptation to live according to grasping power and begin living by power sharing.
You bless us, O God, with so many ways to experience the wealth of others. Too often, we try to use their gifts for our own good and ignore how their gifts, like ours, help to build up the whole people and maintain every one's welfare. Make us aware of how vital it is to listen and share and bring about a new form of power among us. Amen.
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