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Dear Friends,
Some years ago I came across the following
statement in a magazine article: “What you are is enough.” I wondered at the
time if the person who made that statement really understood the truth in
it. When we focus on life at the level of being human, then we are mostly
inclined to identify with our shortcomings, and have difficulty seeing
beyond that.
But when we understand that we originate
from the same source; that each of us is an expression of God; then it makes
perfect sense to say and know, that what we are is enough. And of course I
am referring to our spiritual identities. “I and my Father are one,” – and
it is the full realization of this truth, the embodying of it, the living of
it, that makes the statement: “what you are is enough,” resonate for each
individual as truth.
Emerson wrote an essay entitled, “History”,
and in his first paragraph he showed his recognition of this truth”
“There is one mind common to all individual
men. Every man is an inlet to the same and all of the same. He that is once
admitted to the right of reason is made a free man of the whole estate. What
Plato has thought, he may think; what a saint has felt, he may feel; what at
any time has befallen any man, he can understand. Who has access to this
universal mind is a party to all that is or can be done, for this is the
only and sovereign agent.”
There is a question we deal with in the
Divine Science Basics class – “If the Divine Spirit is always standing at
the door of our minds – why do so few people know it?” One of the ways to
answer this can be found in the Parable of the Great Feast – Luke 14:16-24
(Matt. 22:1-10 tells virtually the same story.) In the story, - which I
leave you to read in full - symbolically shown, was an invitation by spirit
yet there are three excuses given.
1) The first said he had bought a piece of
ground and he had to go and see it. What he was essentially saying was, “I
have turned my attention to the demands of material sense, and I am too
occupied with these issues to accept the invitation of spirit.”
2) The second one said he had bought 5
yokes of oxen and he had to go and test them out. These 5 yokes could also
refer to the 5 senses. So this man’s excuse could be that his senses were
all important, and it was through them that he would experience satisfaction
in the external world. So he, too, had no time for spirit.
3) Then there was the one who blamed his
non-acceptance of the invitation on the fact that he had just got married.
In a sense he was saying he had become “wedded to the flesh” so he could not
move into spiritual consciousness.
This open invitation to the great feast of
spirit represents the one standing invitation that is continually offered to
each soul: “Come into my fullness”
In the early unfoldment of a soul when it
is perhaps turning to material things as a source of satisfaction, and is
becoming “wedded to flesh”, as something apart from spirit, it sees nothing
desirable in union with spirit. That is the condition (or level of
consciousness) that the parable says will never taste spirit’s supply. It is
only after the external fails, that many are ready to heed the invitation of
spirit.
Let us remember not to lose our true sense
of identity; not to become so involved with material things which are
temporary, but to realize that the true treasure and bounty of spirit is
within our own consciousness. The presence within, the spirit of love, has
moved many through knowing who they are in truth, to perform great deeds in
life. This same spirit which urged these great people to serve their fellow
men in various ways, is within you and me. It is what forms our desire to
live, serve and succeed. It is waiting our recognition and acceptance of the
invitation to partake of the great feast.
Let us open our hearts, our minds and our
souls to the invitation of spirit. Let us partake of the feast and as we
feed our souls – as we accept and recognize the spirit within – we will
truly know for ourselves…………. “what I am is enough!”
SPIRITUAL CINEMA
SPIRITUAL CINEMA, 16 April 2010 at 19h00
at ACT: MOVIE – “LEAP”
How long has it been since you watched a
movie that really changed your life? If you saw The Secret or What the
Bleep, but you felt you wanted more depth and meaning, you are ready to go
on a journey far beyond where those films left off. You are ready for Leap!
What if you wake up one day and realize
your whole reality was an illusion?
What if that insight liberated you from all
your limitations? What if today is that day?
“Leap!” is deep, life changing wisdom,
vibrant with life energy. It takes you through time and space to a powerful
new way of seeing yourself and the world.” (Gay Hendricks)
“This movie could easily shift your entire
perspective on reality” (Jerry Katz)
Leap! Is …..
“… an adventure in consciousness.”
“…. The ultimate reality show.”
“…. A joyful journey back to the place you
never left.”
“…..everything you always knew but forgot.”
“…. A movie that must be experienced.”
You can read more about it on
www.leapmovie.com.
R25 per person. Light refreshments also on
sale
ACT SOCIAL COMMITTEE WALK:
The next ACT walk will be the Sacramento
trail and will take place on Saturday 17 April. All to meet at the canon at
Schoenies at 08:30am. Wear comfy walking shoes, bring water and a snack and
don’t forget sunscreen and a hat. All welcome, for further information
please call Marlene on: 076-3093781
ENNEAGRAM WORKSHOP:
There is still time to put your name on the
list if you are interested in participating in the workshop which is being
presented by Sylvia van Zyl. Should you require further details, please
contact Sylvia on: 083-7082857.
A Common Thread:
A new interfaith way of understanding the
Divine – this month, the forum presented by Sandra Ritchie, will take place
on Thursday 22 April, at our Centre at 19:30 – when Carol McLaggan and Andre
Vlok will be speaking about Buddhism.
SUNDAY SCHOOL/CARING:
A reminder to parents that this facility is
not available during school holidays – this includes the Easter weekend and
special Easter Service.
EASTER:
Please find enclosed / attached, Helen’s
Easter Letter, giving details of services over the Easter weekend.
IN GRATITUDE:
We once again extend our gratitude to those
who support our Centre in so many different ways. Your generous donations,
in time, tithes and enthusiastic involvement all work together in keeping
ACT going and growing. Thank you God, and thank you Members and Friends!
In closing……………….
I share with you some
words from Rajinder Singh, from his book, Empowering your Soul Through
Meditation.
“Spirituality means love
in action. It means enjoying our spiritual riches and sharing them with all
we meet. We can learn to balance our spiritual practices with our worldly
responsibilities, enjoying the fruits within ourselves and sharing our gifts
with humanity”
Bountiful blessings
Bountiful Blessings
MALLORY
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