A Whimsical Spirituality
Dear old and new friends,
A healthy spirituality takes neither the seeker nor his or her spiritual practices too seriously. Recent years have seen exercises in how to have no self, living in the now, and the Zen of breathing and walking. Recently I came upon a few short Zen-like sayings, but regret I don’t know the authors’ names. Nonetheless, ponder the following.
If there is no self,
whose arthritis is this?
Be here now.
Be someplace else later.
Is that so complicated?
Drink tea and nourish life.
With the first sip…joy.
With the second…satisfaction.
With the third…peace.
With the fourth…a danish.
Wherever you go, there you are.
Your luggage is another story.
Accept misfortune as a blessing.
Do not wish for perfect health,
or a life without problems.
What would you talk about?
In Christian spirituality the words of Jesus are often presented for meditation and guidance. His last words naturally are of greatest importance. We also know the four Gospel writers reported his words differently. The following are Jesus last words as he ascended up into heaven.
In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus farewell words are, “Beware of Rome!
Her imperial style will smother your spontaneity and freedom.”
In the mystic John’s Gospel, Jesus says, “It’s an illusion. I neither go up
or down. I reside in your heart. Holy Communion is easy.”
In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus says, “I’m going up, up, up beyond the clouds,
into the unending starry cosmos. Come, follow me.”
And in Mark’s Gospel, Jesus says, “Do this in memory of me. Enjoy life and
have fun just as I did when I was among you.”
RSS Feed