Together, We Light the Way

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Study of Manual for Teachers 5-18-12

Day 137
4 The Name of Jesus Christ as such is but a symbol. But it stands for love that is not of this world. It is a symbol that is safely used as a replacement for the many names of all the gods to which you pray. It becomes the shining symbol for the Word of God, so close to what it stands for that the little space between the two is lost, the moment that the name is called to mind. Remembering the name of Jesus Christ is to give thanks for all the gifts that God has given you. And gratitude to God becomes the way in which He is remembered, for love cannot be far behind a grateful heart and thankful mind. God enters easily, for these are the true conditions for your homecoming.

We are reminded that the name of Jesus Christ is a symbol that stands for love and gratitude. It is not the historical man that I call on, because that would be reinforcing the separation idea. Jesus is now the Brilliance that enlightens my Heart. The thought of Jesus is the thought of forgiveness, of oneness, of healing, of fearlessness, of guiltlessness, of Home, of a loving God, of Love Itself.

I am drawn to the sentence that says, for love cannot be far behind a grateful heart and thankful mind. I have had a single experience of love as it is without the limits we place on it. Every thought of that experience puts me in a state of gratitude, but the gratitude is followed by sadness. The memory of unfettered love is not the same thing as the experience. This morning, I yearned for that experience again and asked the Holy Spirit if I could have it back. I immediately saw in my mind the ego objection. I could not function if I spent the day in such ecstasy. This thought was a reflection of my fear of God’s Love.

I think it is this fear of God’s Love that keeps me calling on other gods to bring me happiness. I call on the god of romance to bring me that special person to fulfill me, the god of money to bring me financial stability, the god of perfect parenthood to make me feel ok about my performance. I call on the god of spiritual paths to bring me the perfect book, the perfect teacher, the perfect prayer so that I can continue to walk this path without fear of reaching something I am not ready to embrace. I am disillusioned by the gods I have chosen and am grateful that this is so. 

Dear God, I don’t know anything. I come to you with a mind as free of thoughts as I can get it. I asked you what it felt like to truly love without conditions or limits, and you answered my prayer. I remember your gift and I long for it again. I don’t know how I could live like that, but I trust You, and wait for your answer. I am so grateful for the gifts I have received and I ask for this gift of a return to Love. I ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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