Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Prayer and Meditation

It is not a new trend to pray with the purpose of talking to God in hope that our prayers will be answered.  People pray in groups, in regular intervals during the day and as Jesus taught; quietly in solitude.  Many people experience great power and comfort through prayer.  Many prayers have been answered as expected and many resulted in surprise.  Is it logical to think that a singular being hears our wishes and controls our destiny?  Does God pay more heed to prayers that are repeated by many people?  If so, there would be an end to war and illness.  So , what happens in our minds when we pray.  We vent, we organize our thoughts, we confess and understand our actions, we plan and plead. These are all things that allow positive physical reactions to a proven positive mental attitude.  Prayer gives us comfort and makes us feel better.  Prayer puts our hope in focus and allows us to act with good sense.  Is there something more than that?  Is there something magical?  Those who believe that may also think that they have the power to curse others and cause them harm with just their thoughts. That is a dangerous and unhealthy.  We are in a world where there is plenty to supply our needs.  So when we work within a loving community, all needs can be met.  We may not have everything we want or live our days without end or pain; but we can sing praise for the many blessings we have received.  I pray daily for forgiveness, wisdom and peace. So, I must also give freely of those things to others. 

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Crying in the Wilderness

John the Baptist is one of my favorite stories.  And Jesus must have been most fond of him, as his final words are, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit".  The symbol of water and the word have become a most important event in the life of a Christian.  And now we promise our children when they are infants, that we will teach them to know Jesus and raise them in a Christian home.  Baptism requires no test and no proof that you believe Jesus is the Savior from your sins.  It is freely offered, and monitored by your own conscience.  The rite of Baptism lasts ten to fifteen minutes and your sins are washed away.  It is beautiful and life changing for many.  Jesus cousin John had a mission similar to Jesus; to teach, to heal, and to love. My impression was that John was more forceful in pointing out our wicked ways and need for change.  Then Jesus told us how to change.  Many of us find it easier to follow John's example and find fault in others and ourselves, but not to practice Jesus lessons of love and peace.  We all desperately want the security that peace brings.  It should be easy then to promote something everyone wants.  The cost is putting other's needs before our own.  Why then do we continue to seek material goods and personal power at the expense of peace?  Is it really our nature, our sinful nature, to go against the common good?  Then the meaning of life would be to constantly fight against our personal desires in order to strive for peace.  All the prophets proclaim that we will never have world peace, even though Jesus shows us the way.  So we strive for inner peace.  We will never hear the voice of God proclaim, "This is my son with whom I am well pleased," during a baptism.  That was for Jesus alone who invites us to be children of God.  We are brothers in faith, we are the branches on the vine that must bear good fruit. 

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Keeping the Commandments

Is there any person or religion that disagrees that it is wrong to kill people.  Then there should be no exception for war, abortion, retribution, execution, or euthanasia. Period.  It is wrong to lie, stretch the truth, withhold information, and gossip.  It is wrong to want, take, or steal what belongs to others.  There are seemingly good arguments that there are grey areas; that right and wrong are not black and white. That rubber band has been stretched so far now that it is limp, frayed or broken.

We should love, honor, and forgive our parents, our leaders, and our neighbors.  We should feed the hungry, clothe the needy, care for the sick and those imprisoned.  We should have jobs that reflect our values.  We should use our resources wisely and share generously.  Putting God first, means putting love first. It requires self sacrifice and it is very tiring.  That is why we need a Sabbath,  a day of rest and regeneration.  We need to refuel with the love of others and learn of new and better ways to serve those in need. Song and dance can be tiring as well, but it sure lifts the spirit to start anew.

The Father's will is that we love one another with all our heart, soul, and mind. Not for personal gain or recognition or power. Just simply love.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Are we even close?

We are asked to do the will of the Father.  It is plain but not simple.  In the history of religions that over a billion people follow, we are asked to worship and sacrifice.  Many cultures have built monuments to their gods, and follow strict routines without question.  This makes life a little easier, but it is not always logical or truly an act of love and reverence.  

The Christian Church has been a refuge for many, an excuse for several, and a source of conflict for all of us.  We can't seem to get it right.  Should our beliefs and practices change because people evolve?  Jesus tried to set things straight with church leaders, scholars, merchants and townspeople. Love and forgive everyone.  Helping one another is more important than judging and excluding those who don't fit the mold. But we still are more caught up in the rituals than we are in the service to others.  Are church leaders supposed to climb a latter of success, and is that success based on their ability to influence people to give money and come to church? Is that success based on a clean reputation and following the ten commandments better than anyone else?  Can a sinner be a leader?  All rhetorical questions. Jesus tried to set us straight.  We made him a king even after his death, resurrection and ascension.  We are mired in celebrating holy days and sacraments that Jesus did not do himself or ask of us.  We remember him when we break bread and drink wine.  We remember him in baptism as we promise to follow the way of love.  We remember him when we pray and meditate.  We do not do the will of the father, and we are not even close to following the way. What should we do if we are truly wishing to be Christlike? Next blog.     

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

I Believe

God is the power of love that supplies, sustains, and enriches our lives.  All other forces together cannot exceed the effects of love that radiates like the sun to awaken our spirit.  God is the creative elements in air that gives us breath, water that gives us substance, and earth that nourishes in an endless cycle.  

Jesus, a descendent of King David, lived a dedicated life of loving, teaching and healing that fulfills prophesy of spirit led people.  His way of life was serving others selflessly.  He was criticized and condemned to die for going against religious and political leaders.  He endured and overcame great suffering to reveal that the ultimate sacrifice is to give up life for the sake of others.  His way is the true path to love which is kind, generous and enduring.  He offers us salvation from a deadly existence, when we follow his path of charitable love. We can only find illumination to make good choices through this boundless love.  We are judged by our motivation that constantly leans more to our own benefit.  We cannot obtain goodness or mercy on our own merit, but by grace through faith.

The Right Spirit gives us power, patience and perseverance to believe in love, even when we are weak.  We are strengthened in a loving community where there is forgiveness of all mistakes. We join in prayer and action with all believers to continue the everlasting life of love.

Miraculous results occur when love is present.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Tradition

Many of us are indoctrinated as children in theological and ethical beliefs.  My mother, grandmother, and great grandmother recited the Nicene Creed and lived lives based on the teachings of Jesus.  I am certain that Christianity could be traced back even further in my ancestry, perhaps even 1500 years to a time of Roman influence in Poland and Sweden. However, there was much argument among early Christians and Councils as to who Jesus was and what the church community should believe.  Therefore, I think it is necessary for every individual to compose a belief statement, rather than recite a creed that men in the 4th century believed. They summarized the popular political thoughts at the time.  They also make statements that are not part of Jesus teachings.  Jesus did not claim to be God, but he did say that we are all children of God.  Jesus was critical of those who were mired in exclusive religious traditions and daily practices, and yet we still insist on traditions in the name of piety. Jesus did not say he was without sin, and he did not say that we should worship his virgin mother. But we insist on those qualities to deify him.  He did not ask us to celebrate his birth, death, or resurrection. We inserted those dates to replace popular pagan celebrations.  Jesus did ask us continuously to do the will of the Father. So, after I review the words of Jesus written and told by men who followed the disciples and witnessed great things, I will try a feeble attempt at a personal perspective.  We know when a story is retold orally, it changes and is embellished or worded to fit the understanding and purpose of the teller. Matthew, Mark and Luke do not have the same conclusions as John.  Thomas is left out of the Bible as it focused on our "inner light".  Many other writings were ordered to be destroyed- some were recovered. What is most fascinating is that the history of a small oppressed nation, has become the Old Testament and basis for the world's largest religion. The Jewish people are a story of survival and strength.  Strength in spirit and community.  It is remarkable the one Jewish man was chosen as a Savior of our hearts and souls.  There are no flaws in his teachings.  There would be world peace if everyone followed Jesus teachings.  But, his teachings are still used to increase people's pocketbook and political power.  I believe that is opposing his purpose.  St. Francis of Assisi, Gandhi, Matin Luther King Jr., are among the few who tried to reestablish the ideals of Christ.  Their influence improved the lives of many who were oppressed, the same as Jesus did without political position. What would Jesus think about our conduct today?

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Everlasting Life

Nothing that breathes is immortal, yet lives on through regenerations in the planting of seeds or the scattering of cells that furtilize and nurture new growth. Is that part of everlasting life?

*When does life begin?
*When does everlasting life begin?
* When does life end?
* When does life after death begin?

Scientific, spiritual, and dogmatic communities do not know and cannot agree on the concept of eternal life. The true beginning of time, or an ending to the universe is a mystery that needs no answer. No one knows which came first: the chicken or the egg. No one knows where heaven or hell may be. Why does it matter? To some it matters because they seek to know their relevence. Some of us will be remembered for good deeds or bad. And some of us are soon forgotten. We try to leave a legacy of art or architecture, dollars or decision, in the hope that we made a difference. Many lives were made better by the lessons of one man or woman. Many lives were ended by the words of one man or woman. They are people we can name for centuries. Is that part of everlasting life?

#Do we live for an afterlife?
#Can we live in a heaven on earth?
#Can we find heaven in a hellish situation.

A wonderful life can end badly by illness and suffering. Giving comfort to those in their ending days is one way to find a heaven in the middle of hell. Loving others without expectation creates a heaven on earth. Always waiting for better things to come is like living among the dead. Many of us choose to live in a community of cooperation and support. This requires a loving spirit and results in a happy life. So who can imagine the perfect afterlife. Streets paved with gold or a garden full of watermelon. We all thirst for different things. But, mainly comfort, peace, beauty, and contentment.

Believe that it is possible, work toward helping others daily, and know that heaven is at hand.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Take Up the Whole Armor

Belt of Truth:  A belt around our core offers support.  The core being the center of strength must be based in honesty to advance any cause.

Breastplate of Righteousness:  The breastplate protects our heart.  If we choose to do rightly, our heart is strengthened and offers endurance.  

Shoes of Peace:  Our feet direct our actions.  The path to promote peace is narrow and requires  us to be prepared with a full armor and sturdy shoes to guide us lovingly.

Shield of Faith:  A shield may guard our face so that our eyes will keep focus and continue to believe in our goals.  Our perspective is important, but we can be open minded without being vulnerable to the flaming arrows of doubt.

Helmet of Salvation:  To keep our "head in the game" requires us to persevere so that we can withstand any conflict and not be shaken.

Sword of the Spirit: Word is in the sword that is a weapon we use boldly. Words can harm or heal.  We must use them wisely to build each other up and offer guidance.  The sword cannot act alone. 

We must be honest, do rightly, act with love, believe in our goal, persevere in our faith, be prepared to share and be bold with our words. 

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Three Sprits

Renew a Right Spirit within me: Doing what is right is an endless task.  It involves serving others until we are tired.  Sometimes the choices are easy and sometimes they all seem wrong. The motivation of the Right Spirit must be selfless but have a purpose that does someone good, even though it may seemingly harm others. A Right Spirit cannot change a person, but may bring a positive change in their lives.  

Take not thy Holy Spirit from me: To be holy involves endless love.  Love is powered through a connection of other loving spirits.  Joy may be obtained through creative expressions that also increase the power of love.  All spirits want to be loved and may be fooled by the acts of others, but the Holy Spirit will prevail through our loving actions.

Uphold me with thy Free Spirit: We are directed by our will power. Our will may be strengthened by the encouragement of other spirits, but our actions are still our choosing.  It is easy to follow the crowd, which may not guide us in the direction we truly wish.  Choosing loving friendships and leaderships are essential for keeping a Free Spirit.  Otherwise we are dragged down by the will of others that may mislead us.