 |
| This Quaker cross stitch has been hanging in our home for years |
"...Confronted by the ghost of Jacob Marley ,his former business partner,
Scrooge observed Marley wearing weights and chains. The ghost said
he earned them in his life. Scrooge said “But, you were a good man of business.
The ghost replied “Business!Business! Mankind was my business.
The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance,
and benevolence, were all my business. The dealings of my trade
were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!”
- A Christmas Carole, C. Dickens
For RELIGIOUS FANATICS ONLY -A Charlie Brown Story.....
Charlie Brown asked Lucy why she was so happy. Lucy
explained how it was "Christmas" and explained further
that this was the time of year to "spread joy, caring,
compassion, giving, peace and love." Charlie Brown
wondered to Lucy "Why do we do these things at
"Christmastime" and why can't we do these things and
be that way all year round?"Lucy yelled at Charlie Brown ,
"What are you some type of religious fanatic?"
------
The Pilgrimage
As the scoundrel pilgrim was inspired somehow that it was time,
Time to set out to find that earthly mystical paradise
Some had labeled as Shangri- La
Where peace and compassion reigned in all simplicity.
Sherpas and servants attended to the yearning seeker.
When the pilgrim hungered for food... he was prepared
precisely what was needed to keep him moving forward.
When he wandered off, as he would sometimes do ,
He realized he was lost and a group of sherpas
Found him dazed by the sudden storm
Returning him safely to camp.
One particular sherpa seemed to be most attentive
To the wearied traveler , setting up and taking down the cohort's tents,
Laying out furs and blankets for sleep,
Keeping fires lit , preparing all with fresh hot tea,
reading Poems , prayers and singing songs before
The pilgrim postulant and dedicated community would retire after
A day of arduous trekking through unpredicted storms.
The unthinkable occurred without warning
As a blizzard that would most likely bring a drastic end
To the once holy pilgrimage.
Suddenly the pilgrim found himself alone,
Lost, cold , frightened , hungry and on the verge
Of a desperation that would obviously lead to his own demise.
Without notice that one special solo sherpa appeared through
The blowing frigid snow rescuing the desperate pilgrim.
He carried him over the mountains into a most serene valley
Where it is said that the "Great Teacher" resided in a modest
Yet most sanctifying monastery.
The pilgrim was left by the rescuer in the entryway.
A group of monks swiftly gathered around the pilgrim.
After being warmed, clothed and fed he was told
He would have an audience with the one magnificent teacher,
The most holy of the holy ones.
The monastics ushered him to a great hall
Where a solo figure sat in silence inviting the pilgrim
To sit at his side....
Lifting his eyes towards this blessed figure
The anxious ,yet grateful pilgrim , wondered in awe
As he believed he recognized the great one.
The confraternity of contemplatives smiled in love and satisfaction
Noting how the pilgrim realized that this great teacher
Was the one sherpa who had been the servant to all.
The one who nourished , comforted , loved and served the travelers
During their odyssey .
The pilgrim bowing his head in humility and gratitude when
The wonderful teacher reached out his hand to the pilgrim saying
"Welcome home , tell me what have you learned on your pilgrimage?"
( Inspired from an ancient Zen fable)
- JF Sobecki
-----------------
All days are holy and yet we seem to set aside only a few to celebrate.
(A topic for another day)
Here is a setlist for this season--- sit back be present and and be filled.
Getting Ready For Christmas Day - P. Simon
Peace Divine- J. Browne
Travelers Prayer - M.C. Carpenter
https://youtu.be/EHE5kqmKQ8QNow the Time Has Come - R. Star
https://youtu.be/5GcVgqE-NRA
No comments:
Post a Comment