The Highest Good

"Hurt not the earth; neither the seas nor the trees." The Book of the Revelation of Jesus to John.

The Season for the Earth (SE) begins in April and ends in June each year, encompassing Earth Day on April 22. It follows and, in truth, is an extension of the Season for Peace and Nonviolence. We are called to behave nonviolently not only toward one another, but to Mother Earth and all her inhabitants as well.

I invite you to my main site to view a video called "The Story of Stuff." It is a 21-minute film that addresses the question, "Where does the stuff we buy come from and where does it go when we throw it away?" It looks at our consumer culture and the concepts of planned and perceived obsolescence that contributes to so much waste, pollution, and overuse of the world's resources which are near the breaking point.

I would also like to call your attention to an interesting sermon that Tom Walker wrote and delivered on October 4, 2008 for Earth Ministry's 16th nnual Celebration of St. Francis. He speaks of how the words 'breath', 'spirit', and 'wind' were translated from the same Hebrew word; then examines the words 'respiration' and 'expiration' in the context of the content of the atmosphere. It's an interesting perspective. I invite you to read it.

Be good to the Earth. Be a good steward of the resources we have been gifted with. Leave it in better shape than you found it. That's not a bad rule for all of life.

breathe peace - 

Rev. Rebecca

www.RevRebecca.com

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I am guilty of war when I proudly exercise
my intelligence to the disadvantage of my fellow man.

I am guilty of war when I distort other's opinions,
which differ from my own.

I am guilty of war when I show disregard
for the rights and properties of others.

I am guilty of war when I covet what another has honestly acquired.

I am guilty of war when I seek to maintain my superiority of position
by depriving others of their opportunity of advancement.

I am guilty of war if I imagine my kin and myself to be a privileged people.

I am guilty of war if I believe a heritage entitles me
to monopolize resources of nature.

I am guilty of war when I believe other people must think and live as I do.

I am guilty of war when I make success in life solely dependent
upon power, fame, and riches.

I am guilty of war when I think the minds of people should
be regulated by force, rather than by reason.

I am guilty of war when I believe the God I conceive is
the one others must accept.

I am guilty of war when I think that a land of a man's birth
must necessarily be the place of his livelihood.

The true articles of peace cannot be legislated but are drawn up in the
personal aspirations and conduct of the millions of little people. When all
men will frankly perceive their common dependence, an understanding will
emerge that will transcend the barriers of time and space, creed and race.

Rosicrucian Order Creed of Peace, Ralph M. Lewis, 1944

breathe peace - 

Rev. Rebecca

www.RevRebecca.com

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Consider that the challenges in your life may not have presented themselves to you because you are weak and need them to help you grow, but rather they are there because they need you and your strengths and your gifts to transform them into something greater and more beautiful.

breathe peace-

Rev. Rebecca

www.RevRebecca.com

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Another Lent is over and Easter upon us. Having worked in a traditional church for 26 years, I find myself recalling the special Holy Week services and the changes that had to be made each day in the decor and set-up of the sanctuary. What a job that was! One day the sanctuary would be sparsely decorated and the next it would be overrun with flower arrangements and colorful banners. The week featured palms, recreations of the 'Washing of the Feet', dramatic retellings of the final days of Jesus, and big choirs.

I don't miss those things too much as I have never been big on the external display. Please understand, I'm not knocking it; I understand the value of it for those who take part in it. I just find greater value for myself in a less distracting space. Watching the Last Supper acted out will never come close to the sacred silent communion I experience in meditation.

I like my spirituality pared down to the basics.

I remember friends and family 'giving up' things for Lent. "What are you giving up?" was the big question. Most likely for those in my life, whether child or adult, it was their favorite food, drink, or activity. It always seemed to involve sacrificing something they enjoyed. Yet, giving up for a few weeks something that brought me joy did little to transform my heart and mind as letting go of the bad habits, negative thoughts and emotions, and materialistic desires that kept me from attending to Spirit within.

For me, the story of the death of Jesus and the resurrection of the Christ is about the victory of the Higher Self, the Christ Consciousness, over the ego. It's a remembering of Who I Am. It is the discovery that 'the Father and I are One'. It is the realization that "I can do all things through Christ (the Divine within) who strengthens me." I can let go of the fear of failure and rejection and know that I Am Loved and that all is in Divine Order. As the Desiderata says, "no doubt the Universe is unfolding as it should." There is a deep Peace in that.

I wish you and your Loved Ones a Blessed Easter. If you can, find some quiet time alone today and sit in silent communion with the God of your being. Let go and remember.

breathe peace -

Rev. Rebecca

www.RevRebecca.com

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Every day, I join others in this prayer for World Peace.

With each kind thought and each choice for nonviolence,

we plant a seed that shall bloom to bring forth rich fruit in its Season.

Together, friend, we till the soil and plant the seeds that all creation may

sing for joy and dance in the Garden of Peace.

May our prayers and practices during this Season be but the beginning

of a new culture of peace, security and joy that shall endure unto our

children’s children’s children.

And with that heart-felt prayer, the 2009 Gandhi - King - Chavez Season for Peace and Nonviolence (SPAN) has officially concluded today, the memorial anniversary of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This year's SPAN saw the largest number of participants I have ever had join me on this 64-day journey. The readings were brought to you courtesy of the Association for Global New Thought. They were authored by Mr. Len Ellis with some additions and revisions by me..

Thank you to all who participated. It is my sincerest hope that this exercise has prompted you to take a look at the way you live and at how the way you live affects those around you in your family, your workplace, and your community.

Though the 2009 SPAN has concluded, the work to achieve Peace never truly ends. It keeps on flowing ever onward. May you continue the process of creating change in yourself in order to bring about a nonviolent, Peaceful, and sustainable world for all. Today, in your thoughts, words, and actions, Be Peace.

Martin, Mohandas, and Cesar, may Eternal Light shine upon you and Blessed Peace always be yours. We are grateful for your dedication and commitment to the cause of Peace and Justice. May we display the same courage and  passion. So let it Be.

breathe peace-

Rev Rebecca

www.RevRebecca.com

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