The readings this week from the Book of Wisdom and 1 Thessalonians remind me of the first two 'steps' on Buddha's Eightfold Path: Right View and Right Intention.
For they search busily among his works, but are distracted by what they see, because the things seen are fair (Wis 13:7).
When people are saying, "Peace and security, " then sudden disaster comes upon them, like labor pains upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape (1Thes 5:3).
The material world is full of stupendous wonders, both pleasant and unpleasant. It's easy to imagine that mankind first worshipped in ignorance the sun, trees, winds, blood and powerful men. In a mind without wisdom, basic survival is instinct. Food, shelter, safety for family and health, the world in which we live is both life-giver and enemy. There are no material guarantees. Though men strive for a 'good life', wise men saw a continuous cycle of suffering. Comfort is temporary. Power wanes. Riches can be lost or stolen. Youth becomes old. The living perish through disease, accident, age and war. All of mankind's worldly efforts turn to dust at some point. Clinging relentlessly to pleasure, hoping for only personal wealth and comfort, seems foolish. Living a life in fear of loss and pain and suffering seems to be just as foolish. They are distractions.
Distractions from what? From Truth. From a Reality in which Love exists in each human being, able to be shared, given selflessly, a safe haven from the storms of this life, a magnificent temple reflecting the stupendous wonders of this life on Earth. Israel had found shelter, but seemed to get lost once again. Christ came to free all nations, to light their path and give peace of mind.
Wisdom is the key, the thinking mind able to choose its own path. Right Intent or Right Thought is choosing Love. Making an earnest resolution to choose for a new way of life. Christ did not end the natural world's laws over us. We still have toothaches. Pain still hurts. But with our own choices we can actively choose to avoid distractions that keep us in fear and sensual abandonment. With peace of mind, we are able to help ourselves to help others. Staying 'alert and sober' is Saint Paul's advice to the Thessalonians. Even though that little, fearful ego might resist any effort to change, each person has to choose. Laziness or stress or doubt can make one less alert. Drugs or inbalance will addle the mind's ability to make wise choices. Each individual has to act if we hope to change its Self and the world. Do we choose to be children of the Light? Jesus invites us to try. The Holy Ghost draws us to its true home. We are not alone in our earnest efforts, as the long line of saints do profess. Choosing faith in a loving God full of grace, a councillor, prince, teacher and friend to us, this is nothing more than the first step to enlightenment.
Oremus:
I offer a prayer to all who choose to settle their busy minds and open their hearts to Love. Be at ease and rest in the haven that is the Lord. May their wisdom grow. May they choose new directions with resolve. May they know peace. Amen.
Deo gratias.
For they search busily among his works, but are distracted by what they see, because the things seen are fair (Wis 13:7).
When people are saying, "Peace and security, " then sudden disaster comes upon them, like labor pains upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape (1Thes 5:3).
The material world is full of stupendous wonders, both pleasant and unpleasant. It's easy to imagine that mankind first worshipped in ignorance the sun, trees, winds, blood and powerful men. In a mind without wisdom, basic survival is instinct. Food, shelter, safety for family and health, the world in which we live is both life-giver and enemy. There are no material guarantees. Though men strive for a 'good life', wise men saw a continuous cycle of suffering. Comfort is temporary. Power wanes. Riches can be lost or stolen. Youth becomes old. The living perish through disease, accident, age and war. All of mankind's worldly efforts turn to dust at some point. Clinging relentlessly to pleasure, hoping for only personal wealth and comfort, seems foolish. Living a life in fear of loss and pain and suffering seems to be just as foolish. They are distractions.
Distractions from what? From Truth. From a Reality in which Love exists in each human being, able to be shared, given selflessly, a safe haven from the storms of this life, a magnificent temple reflecting the stupendous wonders of this life on Earth. Israel had found shelter, but seemed to get lost once again. Christ came to free all nations, to light their path and give peace of mind.
Wisdom is the key, the thinking mind able to choose its own path. Right Intent or Right Thought is choosing Love. Making an earnest resolution to choose for a new way of life. Christ did not end the natural world's laws over us. We still have toothaches. Pain still hurts. But with our own choices we can actively choose to avoid distractions that keep us in fear and sensual abandonment. With peace of mind, we are able to help ourselves to help others. Staying 'alert and sober' is Saint Paul's advice to the Thessalonians. Even though that little, fearful ego might resist any effort to change, each person has to choose. Laziness or stress or doubt can make one less alert. Drugs or inbalance will addle the mind's ability to make wise choices. Each individual has to act if we hope to change its Self and the world. Do we choose to be children of the Light? Jesus invites us to try. The Holy Ghost draws us to its true home. We are not alone in our earnest efforts, as the long line of saints do profess. Choosing faith in a loving God full of grace, a councillor, prince, teacher and friend to us, this is nothing more than the first step to enlightenment.
Oremus:
I offer a prayer to all who choose to settle their busy minds and open their hearts to Love. Be at ease and rest in the haven that is the Lord. May their wisdom grow. May they choose new directions with resolve. May they know peace. Amen.
Deo gratias.
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