For this Sunday, May 7th, the focus for our
meditation will be on Redemption. Tom Ryan is the author of a bestseller
titled, “Following Atticus,” which details his relationship with a dog and
their hikes across the peaks of the White Mountain range in New England. He recently released a new book, “Will’s Red
Coat,” which he characterizes as a story of Redemption about a different
ailing, older dog he adopted to provide some comfort at the end of his
life. When Will entered Tom’s life he wasn’t
sure if it would be for a few days or a few months. The dog was deaf, mostly blind, and in
terrible condition that left him physically hobbled and in pain. Initially, his disabilities and discomfort
caused him to react to his circumstances with anger and fear, and he lashed out
many times toward Tom. Over time,
however, a change occurred, mostly as a result of Tom’s patient care and
understanding. Eventually, Will chose to
live again, and ending up enjoying life with Tom for two and a half years
before his passing. That opportunity to
be Redeemed is a choice Will had to make – it was not something anyone
could do for him. He could have chosen
to remain angry and fearful, but instead he gradually accepted the offering of
Tom’s love. I believe Redemption for
human beings is similar – it is not done to us by others but is a conscious
decision we must make for ourselves.
Christians believe that Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins,
but I also believe that we must enter acceptance of that offer of Redemption
consciously. There is a responsibility
on our part to recognize our shortcomings and reach out to receive the
opportunity for salvation. It is not
forced upon us. The first, and perhaps
most important, step is to acknowledge we are in need of Redemption. This week in our prayer and meditation time
let us consider where we are weak and have fallen short, not to chastise
ourselves but to charitably embrace our humanness. As we accept our flaws may we also be
thankful for the various opportunities we are given for Redemption that
allow us to more fully put the past behind us and move forward in grace.
In our efforts this week let us also continue to use the
energy of our prayers and meditation to amplify the light that covers and fills
this nation. As we perform our
meditation this week let us begin by re-energizing the brilliance and power of
the light we create. Just as before,
begin by forming a concentrated ball of light that is so bright it is almost
impossible to look directly at it. Raise
this sphere of light up high over the nation and then let its rays cascade down
to create a solid, impenetrable dome of light that completely covers every inch
of our country. From shore to shore and
border to border let the entire continent be filled with this brilliant, dense
light that will serve to magnify the best and highest qualities of our country
and the people who live across its vast lands.
Please follow the same practice as before: Get centered in
your body, ask to bring in your guides and others who are there to assist us,
and connect to the circle of others participating in this project.
Ask yourself what do I feel in my body when I have
experienced a Redemption for
mistakes I have made? How does it feel in my body when I am able to see
my shortcomings and appreciate the opportunity for Redemption? Then send the energy and intention of those
feelings to the nation.
Be sure to disconnect from the circle at the end and express
thanks for those who have helped us in this effort.
If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share
please let me know via e-mail to kmiritello@gmail.com
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