(Editor’s note: The following is a submission to The Recorder’s weekly column, “Faith Matters.” Each Saturday, a different faith leader in Franklin County offers a personal perspective in this space. To become part of this series, email religion@recorder.com or call 413-772-0261, ext. 265.)
The world is in a period of great transition. Many feel that life is getting faster, scarier and more out of control. National and international events seem to divide us and foster hatred, fear and violence.
For me this is somewhat reminiscent of the 1960s. It was a time of change, and the American people seemed to be divided about war, race, rights, protest and women’s issues. Full of dreams and a vision of a new way of living and being in the world, we spoke of love, equality, nonviolence, compassion and peace. Some of us thought we could really change the world. And though it didn’t work, I don’t believe we were wrong — just the timing was. That was a wake-up wave of the spirit reminding us of our common humanity and, more importantly, our common kinship as children of a divine Source (God, or whatever name by which the Holy One is known). Just about every religious/spiritual tradition has a way of saying that we come from this Source and we’ll make our way back home there at some point.
We are here to grow into our full humanity, into the image and likeness of God. In my tradition, Paul puts it: “to grow from one degree of glory to another into the image and likeness of Christ.” My brothers and sisters, we have a lot of growing yet to do, but we are on our way. Even though the outer forms and “ways and means” of the world haven’t changed that much, I have seen so much growth in consciousness of our connectedness to one another and to nature, and all of life, that to me, this is a sure sign that we are in the midst of changes that lead to a new way and a new age. They may seem chaotic but they have a direction and a purpose. As Paul again says: “The whole world is groaning with labor pains to bring about the birth (the manifestation within us and in the world) of the daughters and sons of God.
But how do we sing God’s song in a strange land? How can we live a true life in a culture of lies? We reclaim the truth we know, the love we feel, the compassion we yearn for — a sigh at a time, a thought, a word, an experience of grace in nature, a friendship, a community of connection. A pumpkin with a large heart carved into it, lit from within. That light needs to light our hearts now, and awaken and enlighten our consciousness, and light a fire of purpose and resolve for us all to grow into our full stature as sisters and brothers of the same sacred source.
In the ’60s, our generation was pretty much on its own; the older generation just thought we were crazy hippies or commies, or something. But we have a great opportunity now, because we are the older generation, and if those of us who still carry some sparks for the dream of a better world and a more consciously compassionate humanity would lend our support to the many wonderful youth of this generation that carry their own light in creative ways, then the growth will be more sure, more gracious and more timely.
Hope, Love, and Peace.