I smile when I hear people say “I love this song” when they don’t even know the lyrics or what the song is about. Like many, they enjoy the melody, remember one or two catchy words from the lyrics and then infer the meaning of an entire song from that. Take for instance the song Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen. How can anyone listen to that song and think that it should be played at religious services? They only hear its gorgeous rhythmic and soaring melody and remember a few key words: Lord, God, Faith, Love and, of course, Hallelujah. But listen to the rest. [Please click on the title above to continue reading.]
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Imagine by John Lennon is another one. It IS a beautiful song! The words remembered are Imagine, Heaven, Dreamer, Peace, and the last line “and the world will live as one”. But how many people really focus on the fact that this is an anti-religion, anti-government anthem? I recalled these songs this morning while walking in a glorious, clear, 52-degree morning before sunrise. My mind was jumping around and I needed that “space between the notes” mentioned in the last newsletter. I tried some form of meditation. In that eventual quietude, a concept developed asking me to shift my thinking, if only just to consider a concept (what the ancient Greeks called “metanoia”). A subtle shift in thinking from “loving is something our God does as a conscious act” to instead “God is this love”. It is what he or she is, not just something that they do. The infinite and universal energy and power of love. The love that is unconditional, accepting and forgiving. The love that is ubiquitous. And, when and if I am able wrap my head around this concept, maybe then I can consider that God also is peace, God is kindness, God is goodness, God is grace. It gives fresh meaning to the fact that God is in each of use and the soul’s purpose is to let it shine. And, if I am able to get there, how would I worship, truly worship this love, this peace, this kindness, this grace and this goodness that is this “god”. What would this look like? Unlike Lennon, I am not asking anyone to abandon their religion, or even suggesting it. I am not evangelizing any particular belief. I am only sharing a concept revealed to me in an early morning walk. I am asking us, though, to imagine. And when I imagine this, I can’t think of any religious beliefs or customs that would not be enhanced by at least contemplating this concept and giving it a little room to breathe in our hearts and take root in our actions. Maybe by shifting our minds first our souls will follow to help us follow the pursuits of love, of peace, of grace and of kindness towards one another. If only for just a moment. It’s a start. Maybe I am just a dreamer. Hallelujah. |