" If God gives us free will, we are responsible for what we do and what we fail to do"
- F. Jagerstatter, A Hidden Life
" Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality and Stewardship"
( Not Complicated )
"If every human on the planet
and all the buildings on it
Should disappear
Would a zebra grazing in the African Savannah
Care enough to shed a zebra tear?"
- P. Simon, Questions for the Angels
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Aspects of the Profound: Query and Advice
(On An Invitation from Friends)
A Pilgrim's ponderings proceeded to propose
A series of propositions about purpose.
The glorious gleam from the fire - pit flame illuminated
The sacred space for seekers who were ready to receive.
Warmed and filled with the light...
The Emmaus Pilgrims exchange explored how impertinent contrivers
Mandated that since is is difficult
To solve a Rubik's Cube problem
The most uncomplicated resolution seemed to be
To Secure a simple easy swift solution -
Rather than trusting and being present to the solvable.
Much like Kunitz's layers indicated - the journey has not ended,
Finding the perfect vacant wall a subway troubadour scribed a grafiti-ed message
"If you think I am too liberal just wait until you meet Jesus."
The teacher queried the pilgrim if he could ever prove that the pilgrim's mother
loved him completely and unconditionally.
The pilgrim sighed , "I can't prove it but I do know it. I have experienced it."
The teacher then replied , " True, then why do you constantly demand tangible
Proof of the all-encompassing presence and love of the light?
Open your heart . It is window to your soul."
The prodigal pilgrim pleaded " I have belief , help my unbelief."
His course was charted even though there is no knowing what would be next or why.
During an 8 day sequestered sanctuaried silent retreat
The pilgrim supplicated to the teacher.
"I am confused.This is a waste of time. I am not getting it."
The teacher said "Go have your cigar and take a walk in silence."
Sun setting leaves its last flash of the consecrated farewell glow
When without warning suddenly a rangale of deer
Stood staring surrounding the pilgrim silently saying
Without words "Why do you worry? This is holy ground."
He dashed off from the seraphim to find the teacher.
Upon reporting the incident the teacher responded,
"That deer have always been there. You have just been too busy
Trying to make a retreat to see them . Let it go . Let it be.
Let the retreat make you."
The pilgrim was on the way to find out.
The sacred simply sanctifies seekers who keep
Their inner ears to hear and their yearning hearts open to receive,
A gentle exhale of a Friend gently opened that mystical door
With an unexpected invitation,
...and hesitantly , cautiously and faith filled
The pilgrim proceeded through the portal.
It seemed that all the souls and spirits of Friends
From that the past and present were gathered
At the historic blessed Meeting House
Have been waiting for the seeker to arrive,
His own spirit sighed with a smile as he read
The weathered worn wooden sign ....
... "All are welcome."
- JF Sobecki
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amdg
