Jesus brought a vision of a transformed consciousness. Many worshipped him, yet he was always teaching that the “Kingdom of Heaven” is to be found within us. We come to know that we are our own “Savior.” Each of us has our part to play in taking our journey through the mystical stages of awakening. We are already one with God, one with all Good. We only have to know it and experience it. And doing that together makes all the difference.
This weekend is Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. This last week in the life of Jesus is an intensified version of the mystical journey, and like Jesus, we go through the various stages:
- We enter Jerusalem, the heart center.
- We cast out the money changers, the old habits, the negative expressions of the ego.
- We minister to others—Jesus gave most of his teachings in those next few days.
- We take time in the upper room, that dwelling place within, and listen to the spirit of truth. We remember the New Commandment that we love one another, even as we are loved by the Christ.
- We recognize the betrayal of the ego, and we cross it out, crucifying false beliefs and fears.
And we are resurrected, born anew with a compassionate, peaceful heart that recognizes its oneness with God and the sacredness of all life.
Doesn’t that all sound easy? Simple maybe, but not always easy. Crucifixion, or the death of the old, takes place despite our best intentions to avoid change. And sometimes it hurts. The ego can feel very unsafe in the middle of change. Because when the affirmations start working and there is change, meaning both endings and beginnings, there are still feelings to be felt and endings to be traversed. Fear not, for the Christ within guides and supports us each step of the way.
Let us approach this Holy Week consciously, in anticipation for the resurrection inherent in the Easter experience.
Love & blessings,
Rev. Kathy