Tuesday 29 January 2008

There seems to always be a tie between inner and outer life. (You have probably noticed that I do not change Merton's or Gandhi's masculine language for humanity. Sorry for that - the first quote here is one reason I have been ignoring it.

"(People) cannot be free if (s/he) does not know that (s/he) is subject to necessity, because (his/her) freedom is always won in (his/her) never wholly successful attempts to liberate (him/herself) from necessity."

We have seen that Gandhi's political philosophy was based on this principle, because his religious intuition of the Hindu dharma (religion, duty) saw all life as one in a sacred cosmic family in which each member helped to elevate that whole from a selfish and destructive to a spiritual and productive level through sacrificial participation in the common needs and struggles of all.



I am often overwhelmed when I attempt to see the common needs and struggles of all. That is just the "seeing" of them! It is too much to consider...too grand a vision to take in and absorb. Then again, there is something miraculous and healing about taking a step and making a movement to move out of my sense of immobility and do something...something that brings me into contact with that vision. We are connected. Unfortunately, in our country and many others, we can stay away from those who are the victims of systems of success and plenty. We can avoid driving down certain streets...we can shop someplace else...we can only listen to only some stories...etc. We can even take part in religious communities that completely ignore the welfare of those other than myself and my own. And yet, each of us is needed to bring transformation. Each dreamer...each person who acts at any level...all who are willing and able to open our eyes and ears and mouths are the instuments that make sure that more and more people face the reality of life around us. It is not always the most rewarding of life tasks at the time it is taking place...but this kind of living is noted by others.



Connection: We are each in the midst of something miraculous. We need not deny it. We are invited to be a part of it...just a part.



Lord of New Life, when we cannot see how the world is to be healed and each person is a treasure in your eyes, slow us down and help us consider how you view all things and how you become within us the power to be a part of your presence today. Amen.