Dearly Beloved,
Grace and Peace to you.
Christ is our peace;
in his flesh he has made different groups into one
and has broken down the dividing wall,
that is, the hostility between us.
—Ephesians 2.14
Like the first day of Creation,
this has been done, and can’t be undone.
As a sculptor carving us from one block,
God has made us this way.
We are not free to make ourselves otherwise.
The only lives we have are these
the Loving One has drawn out of himself,
beyond our small worlds.
As a mother bearing us,
the Living Presence has made us,
in her flesh, made us one.
Not similar, related, or obligated, but
one.
Our separateness is the most seductive illusion.
God’s one kiss awakens us.
You are one with the stranger, the enemy,
the very ones you distance yourself from.
Their blood runs in your veins,
your dreams haunt them.
We breathe in one another.
One hand holds us all.
Thus it is possible
to love your neighbor as yourself.
To extend mercy to the other
is not difficult;
it is the return to the One you love.
What God has joined together
let no one break asunder.
Deep Blessings,
Pastor Steve
__________________
Steve Garnaas-Holmes
Unfolding Light
www.unfoldinglight.net