Reflection
In the simple core of our being we carry the imprint of the Divine in all its miraculous nature. Because “God is a simple essence” life’s divinity is able to express itself more directly in our love and hope and joy and other simple qualities. Reconnecting with these qualities we are able to reconnect with the divine within us and with the power of the Divine. When we live these qualities we bring the power of the Divine into life. This power or energy can move through the patterns of relationship that are now being created and can flow into life. In this simple way life can regenerate itself. New and diverse patterns of relationship are forming. We have yet to fully realize that these patterns of relationship are so essential, that they are a real answer to the problems and complexities of our time.
Adapted from Lewellyn Vaughn-Lee
Prayer
May we connect with one another in respect and peace.
Action
Amid the complexities and problems of our time, where do you see patterns of relationship forming? How can these be nurtured to bring about needed solutions and better understanding? Do you see this as a possibility in your own life? How can you contribute to the whole?
Suggested Reading
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
1 John 4:7
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:9-10
The world goes on thanks to the vision of many people who created an opening, who built bridges, who dreamed and believed, even when they heard words of derision around them.
Pope Francis
Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.
Robert Kennedy
Our human compassion binds us the one to the other – not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future.
Nelson Mandela
Culture does not change because we desire to change it. Culture changes when the organization is transformed; the culture reflects the realities of people working together every day.
Frances Hesselbein
I just hope that more people will ignore the fatalism of the argument that we are beyond repair. We are not beyond repair. We are never beyond repair.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Connections with other people affect not only the quality of our lives but also our survival.
Dean Ornish
Nations are becoming less relevant in a world where everyone and everything is interconnected. The connections that matter most are again becoming more personal.
Robert Reich
I get excited about what the Holy Spirit is doing now through all the people he is refining and raising up all over this planet. I love connections and relationship and networking but it must be led by the Spirit.
Daniel Smith
Personal relationships are the fertile soil from which all advancement, all success, all achievement in real life grows.
Ben Stein