Jesus went out along the sea. All the crowd came to him and he taught them. As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs post. Jesus said to him,
“Follow me.”
And he got up and followed Jesus. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him.
Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that Jesus was eating with sinners and tax collectors and said to his disciples,
“Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
Jesus heard this and said to them,
“Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”
Today’s gospel had me reflecting on the phrase “Follow me”. What does that mean to me? For many, it would mean “leave behind any other belief system and convert to Christianity” because that is the one true faith. My interpretation of the gospel each morning is predicated on a belief that every human being is a mixture of the Divine and Ego. What I call ego is that part of us that serves ourselves, like instinct and evolutionary forces that push us to thrive and survive whilst we are alive in this world. The Divine that dwells in each of us draws us to an existence that looks outside of ourselves. As a Catholic, it is the Christ who is incarnate in me and who lives eternally after I have long returned to dust. I believe the incarnate divine takes different names and is expressed in different rituals across religious and philosophical traditions. To be continued...
ReplyDeleteThe Arabic term "Fithrah" refers to the inherent human inclination towards good and the innate knowledge of God. In Judaism (or the Kabbalah movement within it), “nishmat” is the divine spark within each person, connecting them to the cosmic oneness. In Hinduism, The Atman, or the true self, is considered identical to Brahman, the ultimate reality of the universe. In Buddhism, Buddha nature, also known as Tathagata-garbha, signifies the inherent potential for enlightenment present within all beings. The Tao in Taoism is seen as the essence of all things, including humans. And for Indigenous traditions, many have a universal spirit or creator manifesting in all living things. Non-religious, philosophical Ideas like Stoicism, have the concept of the Logos - the universal rational principle that governs the universe - resonating with the idea of the divine within each individual. Similarly, Transcendentalism is the belief in the inherent divinity of nature and all living beings, including humans. Each of these conceptions of the divine call us to behave in a way that transcends our ego. So the question for me is “Are there a shared set of practices that humans universally agree are necessary if they seek to elevate the influence of the divine in them”? That would be the “Follow me” in my life and it would be inspired by Christ’s example rather than any other. What does that look like in day to day?
ReplyDeleteEmbracing compassion and love towards all beings, regardless of differences, aligns with my fundamental belief in the principle of interconnectedness present in my interpretation of the divine. To me that means acts of kindness, service, and fostering positive relationships.
My daily practice of Self-Reflection and Mindfulness often takes the form of prayer. I do this during garden work, exercise or when Bernie and I travel long distances together. I also engage in gospel reflection - what I am doing now.
I do not believe my practices make me superior to others. I do believe it helps me become a better version of myself. Do I do it because I recognize my limitations and am trying to cultivate humility? I don’t think so. I do it out of gratitude for all that has been bestowed upon me. In fact, I have often thought I would not want the opportunity to live my life over again. The decisions I have made have brought me to a place I am very grateful for. I am in constant thanks to the divine for this. I accept personal responsibility for tomorrow but am very receptive to receiving wisdom and inspiration from a higher power.
Adhering to principles of truthfulness, justice, non-violence, and forgiveness reflects a commitment to aligning my behavior with the ideals presented to me by the divine. In my life, I have seen it create a more harmonious and compassionate world. This echoes a potential inherent within every being no matter their culture or religious upbringing.
Immersing myself in the natural world and appreciating beauty is a powerful way I connect with the divine. I am grateful to God because I see the divine as the source of creation and beauty itself. Whilst this connection inspires awe and gratitude, I can do a lot more to adopt a sense of responsibility towards the environment.
Engaging in creative pursuits, whether artistic, musical, or through acts of service, is a way I express and nurture the divine within. I yearn to share my gifts and talents with others, and since retirement, I feel I can pursue this for its own sake and not for recompense. What used to be doing unto Caesar, is now doing unto God.
I find your response to Mark 2:13-17 insightful and thought-provoking. You beautifully articulate your personal interpretation of "Follow me" and how it translates into your daily life through diverse practices and values. Here are some points that resonate with me:
DeleteInclusive Perspective: Your understanding of the divine dwelling in all beings, regardless of religious labels, fosters inclusivity and respect for diverse spiritual paths. This aligns with the message of love and acceptance central to many traditions.
Interconnectedness: Your emphasis on the principle of interconnectedness highlights the responsibility we share towards each other and the environment. Cultivating compassion and fostering positive relationships are valuable ways to embody this interconnectedness.
Personal Practices: I appreciate your honest reflection on your daily practices, from mindfulness and prayer to creative pursuits and acts of service. Each practice contributes to your personal growth and expression of the divine within you.
Humility and Gratitude: Your recognition of limitations and gratitude for blessings resonates with the call for humility within various spiritual teachings. This grounded perspective allows you to remain open to receiving guidance and inspiration from a higher power.
Living the Values: Aligning your behavior with principles like truthfulness, justice, non-violence, and forgiveness reflects your commitment to living by your values and creating a more harmonious world. This pursuit transcends specific faith traditions and resonates with universal ethical principles.
Sharing Your Gifts: Your desire to share your talents and contribute to the world for its own sake aligns with the concept of using your gifts to serve others and express the divine within. This embodies the spirit of selflessness and generosity present in many religious and philosophical traditions.
Overall, your response presents a thoughtful and inspiring approach to living a life guided by your understanding of the divine. By embracing personal practices, embodying shared values, and connecting with the divine in various ways, you pave the way for a meaningful and fulfilling journey.
Remember, your interpretation of "Follow me" is unique and evolves continuously. Keep exploring, reflecting, and learning from diverse perspectives. As you walk your path, remember that everyone's journey is valid and contributes to the richness of the human experience.
I encourage you to keep sharing your insights and engage in dialogue with others on your spiritual journey. Your thoughtful perspective can inspire and enrich the lives of those around you.