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Science made the universe God; religion made humans God, it is time to see both entities, as the same God

Someday, after mastering the winds, the waves, the tides and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love, and then, for a second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.   *Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

 

Somewhere in history the leaders of organized, religion got stuck in a time warp.  Fortunately, many believers refused to get stuck with them.  It is hard to grasp how a dynamic living force as God - has been confined to a single concept or event in time by so many of the so-called faithful.

God created a dynamic living universe, but somehow in the consciousness of so many of His believers is a thought system rooted in concrete. And then to add to this insult, they believe this immutability is sacred.

These words are a sacrilege to many, but equally sacrileges to others is not understanding and grasping the significance of a “Cosmic God"*.  If we are to give glory to God as deserved, we have to understand the concept of a living galactic God who is part of all evolving life, including our growth as individual believers.

The difference between those who hold to some immutable, unchanging truth as compared to those who see the ‘sacred’ in the evolving consciousness of the universe depends of whether you trust in the people as the true “keepers of the flame” or believe human nature, by its very nature, cannot be trusted with ongoing revelation.

Some explanation is necessary here.  At the turn of the last century we began to see the developing belief in a God more consistent with what humans were discovering about their universe.  Many will charge that because many so-called “enlightened humans and their science chose to believe theories not consistent with “old time religion,” they need to be even more adamant about being true to their non-evolving, original beliefs.

What is troubling is how we can see things so differently. From my perspective our original beliefs clearly show us that we are an evolving species.  In addition, we have the evidence of the Universe itself.  If it is not evolving all the time what else is it? Is it possible that the God who created us, also created an environment separate and alien to us?

Somewhere in the past, with our increasing awareness, it was imprinted into the mind sets of many that our spirituality and the world we live in are diametrically opposed to each other. The consequence of this was to separate us from our environment and make us strangers in our own homes.

This is what we need to correct if we are to achieve the transcendence our faith in God, was meant to achieve.

Science made the universe God; religion made humans God, now it is time to see both entities, not as separate, but as the same God, united in glorious Transcendence.

Brother Giovanni

opd 1214

*Pierre Teilhard de Chardin       http://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-voices/20th-century-ignatian-voices/pierre-teilhard-de-chardin-sj/

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Today was about performing a routine service for someone else. 

It occurred to me near the end of the afternoon that an erroneous presumption we often make is that when performing a mundane service for others, it can seem like we are wasting our gift by not doing the specific work we believe we were meant to do for this day.

When in fact the service we performed, no matter how seemingly insignificant to us, may in the long run be the most important thing we can do this day when seen from the eyes of the recipient.

I guess that’s what they mean when the say “leave it up to God to decide.”  Think about it the next time you grow impatient while doing a routine service for someone else.

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Today was about performing a routine service for someone else. 

It occurred to me near the end of the afternoon that an erroneous presumption we often make is that when performing a mundane service for others, it can seem like we are wasting our gift by not doing the specific work we believe we were meant to do for this day.

When in fact the service we performed, no matter how seemingly insignificant to us, may in the long run be the most important thing we can do this day when seen from the eyes of the recipient.

I guess that’s what they mean when the say “leave it up to God to decide.”  Think about it the next time you grow impatient while doing a routine service for someone else.

Brother Giovanni

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In every play or life the last act is always the hardest to write.

In every story or play the last act is always the hardest to write.  At least, that’s the way it seems to me.  Why, because nothing happens the way you plan it, not even make believe.

It is amazing how virtually everything has a life of its own.  You have heard the saying:  “You want to make God laugh,tell him your plans.” As we enter the last years of a long life, how true this is.

Trying to write a “last act’ to life is a fun exercise, especially when you realize how serendipitous life really is.  How many times have very important events occurred in your life, simply because you turned left instead of right?

In my life, so many of the most important events were accidents of being in the right place at the right time

However, since nothing is written, let’s see if we can give some shape to the last act.  How do you wrap up a long life?  How do you have the last chapter make any sense?  Maybe you don’t, but it is our nature  to try.

Even though we know that we control nothing (This is the most humbling realization about life that becomes your reality in your last years.) it is our arrogant nature to try – to do any less would not be human.

For one, you have to believe you have a destiny. I have said this many times before.  I know this appears to be presumptuous, but I am convinced this is one of the most important personal beliefs each of us must have.  Please note: I said must have – that is how vital to our well-being this is.

I am often surprised when I see so many of our fellow human beings that don’t consider this at all. Perhaps they are not conceited enough to believe they have a “destiny.” 

So maybe trying to write a “last act to your life” is an act of pure ego, Even so, I am sure going to have some fun trying.  And when it is all said and done: What do I have to lose? After all it is the “last act.”

Till next time,

Brother Giovanni

opd 516

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"Spirituality" - We hear this word used a lot these days

Image by Mikali - Courtesy of the Pizzaonian Art Institute, Abe Straction, Curator - Reality - Where the ocean kisses the land

 

Today trying to figure out what people mean by the term “spirituality” is difficult

We can no longer assume what a person is when they are described as spiritual. It can mean anything from a belief in their inner self to a self-described sense of personal transcendence – none of these descriptions necessarily mean they believe in a Divinity.

As for me, since I no longer know what the term means, what do I do about it? And, do I really care?

Perhaps I should care since this description carries several implied meanings not the least of which is “integrity.” Does this mean that when I meet a spiritual person that I would be more inclined to trust them automatically? I suspect for me it does.

For me when I hear the word spirituality being used to describe someone, I assume they believe in some sort of transcendence beyond themselves. I also assume that to some degree they are less worldly and inclined to put spiritual matters first. I am aware that I am making assumptions

And that is the point of this short musing.  How many times do I base decisions on pure assumption and little else? Obviously, I do - many times.

Does this mean I should be less trusting and not be inclined to make snap judgements?  Perhaps it should.  But it does come at a cost.  For one I will be more cautious in our relationships.  Is that good?  I will leave the answer to you.

As for me I would rather be trusting.  I don’t want to be considered naïve, but I will take my chances on most people being trustworthy.  Will I get hurt from time to time? Obviously the answer is yes.  Even so, having thought it out, I will take my chances.

Till next time,

Brother  Franco

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Part two “Freedom with attached Obligations" - The wonderful dilemma of growing older -

So you are getting older, big deal. You should be rejoicing that being older is a privilege that not all of us have.  All one needs to do is consider the alternative. That takes care of all your problems in a hurry, at least for the moment.

So you now have a long life, and hopefully a reasonably good mind that can still think clearly. This presents an obligation - one that I’m not sure I always enjoy; however, as I said before, consider the alternative. 

If you are fortunate enough to believe you still have some destiny left in you, you are one of the lucky ones. Believing in a purpose bigger than you is probably one of the keys to good health in old age. Recent studies of consciousness as a force are beginning to suggest that how we think and perceive our purpose in life is pretty much how the brain is going to direct its energy - including working to keep your immune system at peak performance.  

So how are you doing? If you still feel there is a purpose to the so-called “golden years” what are you going to do about it? Keep in mind; I am not talking about what makes you comfortable – like loving and caring for grandchildren – or becoming a better golfer or gardener. That is too easy, and besides, we do that naturally, if not always well.   

The problem with the type of obligations I am talking about is that they usually ask something of us.  In this case, we are asking ourselves to serve some greater purpose. This means work and doing things that interfere with our comfort zone. It also means expanding our current level of consciousness that might force us to give up some treasured beliefs.  This is the hardest thing of all – having to change your mind – this is a subject unto itself.

How often are older people reminded of the fact that they are mentally inflexible? Is this really true or is this a club that younger folks use against their elders? They may not do it intentionally, but it is sure convenient for them to do so. If we are constantly wrong, and they are invariably right it leaves us with little credibility. I find this particularly annoying when a younger person that I am clearly smarter than dismisses me because of my age. This leads me to the subject of credibility.   

Credibility – this is a key, since maintaining credibility is the only way we get anyone to listen to us. We all earned a living by being an expert at something. This is what goes first when you no longer hold a regular paying job. You cease being an expert, at least in the current sense. You might still have some believability with the history of your work experience, but forget that anyone considers that you have enough current knowledge to have some plausibility. 

So what is the key?  The answer is the same as it always has been. Retirement pay doesn’t count.  That was the past.  How much money are you paid for what you currently do? Your answer determines your believability and trustworthiness.  Unfortunate – as this may be it is still as true today as it was in your heyday.  So what do you do about it? 

Easy – become an expert. It is amazing how defining a solution is so much easier than bringing it into being. You have two choices. One is to reestablish your standing in the field you one had some standing, or begin something new. Be careful here – starting over is no easy task. It helps if you have some relationship with your new endeavor with what you did before. 

So good luck on your continued journey and never forget the wonderful dilemma of growing older - “ “freedom with attached obligations”.

 

Brother Giovanni

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How do you grow older without the one thing that is necessary for the mind to sustain itself? For some, it is love and that one person that makes life worth the process. For others, it is their work.

Work can be defined in many ways, but for this discussion, work is about a life time goal. It is accomplishing what you were meant to do. It is the substance that allows your life to flourish and mature, making everything worth the effort.   

For some, it is business. For others, it is art. But, regardless of what it is – it consumes you and must be done. Is it a compulsion? For many, it is, however, they would not see it that way. For them, it is meaning. It is what life is meant to be.

It is their purpose for being and defines everything they experience. 

One has to ask: If this is that important to them can they share their lives with anyone since their work is all consuming. There was a time when I would have said yes. However, I am no longer sure.

If your work is about meeting your personal responsibilities, and those responsibilities include loved ones who depend on you for their support, then your life is about relationships.

Thank God, this is where most people find themselves. Because of them, life and communities are allowed to continue and sustain themselves.

But what about other types of endeavors that are defined as a life’s work? This type of activity by its very nature and intent replaces family and friends. It becomes, in and of itself, what gives meaning to life.   

Entrepreneurs and artists often find themselves in this position - what they need to accomplish becomes more important than any other thing they encounter in life, including successful personal relationships. 

How do you know where you fit within this definition of work and life? How do you know where you belong? Perhaps the answer is to be found only in your actions.

By this, I mean your work or art takes precedence over everything else in your life. If this is so, you are more than likely this type of person. 

So what if you find yourself conflicted over this? Some would say the very conflict means your work may be a means to an end and not necessarily a life’s cause for being. It is also possible that you could have both positions happening to your life at different times in your journey through this mortal coil.   

Obsession and compulsion are almost always present when you believe you have a purpose to fulfill. This is one sign. For this person, they continue when no one else would. Success eludes them, and they work through disappointment and failure.

They never give up. At the core of their belief is what they are doing is meant to be and defines them.   

So to those who find themselves in this position – embrace it, never run from it, and let no persuade you to abandon what defines your life. Beware of those who do.

Nothing is more detrimental to the artist than being in an environment that ignores and is indifferent to your life’s purpose. This is one obstacle no one needs.

Brother Giovanni

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Not many, for if they did there would be few takers, and they would soon be an audience of one, themselves. 

All truth and authenticity demand sacrifice. Without sacrifice, one wonders if humility is possible, since humility marks the beginning of the search for truth.

For with humility, the eventual confrontation of self with all of its illusionary traps is inevitable, and because of this, it marks the beginning of the journey into darkness, and eventually, to life. 

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Faith – a continuing discussion:

Recently, Brother Franco and I concluded a month long series of discussions that centered on the concept of faith.  While Pizzaonians share a variety of religious and humanistic traditions, much of the activity centered on what faith means from a Christian perspective.  What follows is a brief synopsis of the ideas we shared.

What is faith?  This question has been with us since we humans began to reason.  We can read; we can become scholars, no matter how much we learn and meditate as to what the word means beyond its dictionary definition, we always end up in the same place.

Faith is a belief system we cannot prove factually.  I know many say there is truth beyond facts.  Nonetheless, truth beyond facts becomes faith – something we hold dear and cherish as a personal belief that cannot be proved. It seems coming to this conclusion early would save each of us a long intellectual journey. 

However, it just maybe that without the journey we could never have come to our emotional understanding of what faith really is nor the personal growth to intellectually accept it as an important part of our lives.

Eventually, we need to get beyond the word and understand how our faith is directly affecting our lives. For most of us, faith is about religion. If you ask a person, “Are you a person of faith?” They presume you are asking them about their religious convictions. 

Once when visiting a religious shrine that attracted many pilgrims I was deeply affected by their unquestioning conviction in what they believed. I envied them. Like millions of believers, I struggle with the concept of improvable religious beliefs. This should not be construed as a non-belief. On an intellectual level, I am deeply committed to my faith. However, it is the emotional connection that is often missing.    

One of the most interesting passages in the New Testament is when Jesus asks Peter, “Who do you say I am?”* When Peter acknowledges Jesus as the Christ Peter is told that he could only know this because His Father in heaven revealed it to him. This being the case, from a Christian perspective, faith then is gift given to each us by a loving God.    

I would prefer to believe that this gift is offered to everyone who seeks it. How we receive the gift becomes the fulcrum that defines the extent of our personal commitment. In what manner we choose to live always answers the question for us.   

However, there is a catch. God gives us the gift, but he expects us to receive it without restrictions as an act of our free will. He sets the gift before us and needs us to make the first move on our own. Without his help, he expects us to embrace His gift of faith without reservation or doubt. When we do, from that point on, He walks with us, but not before, at least not in the fullness that we need or expect. 

Unfortunately, many of us will never complete the first step.

Christianity is no easy road. It demands commitment and sacrifice. Perhaps the most difficult of all is to appreciate that all of our actions and thoughts must flow from the perspective of love – for your God, for your neighbor and this is often left out, and for yourself. It is obvious that none of this works if we do not love ourselves equally. And that love is justified since we are already loved beyond our comprehension by our heavenly Father.   

Love in this purest sense is synonymous with sacrifice – the complete giving of ourselves for the well-being of others. Obviously, most of us fail to meet this level of commitment.  We simply have to see the suffering in the world to be confronted with how shallow our faith often is.

Yes, we do have our saints. They loved their God and acted accordingly. They remain the example for all of us that it can be done. It seems the issue for us is to decide how ready we are to embrace the gift of faith we have been given freely. This is what we all must determine honestly and without reservation.   

When we accept the gift without reservation, we can continue our journey to be “Christ like.”

Brother Giovanni, commenting for GiovanniandFranco.Com, a division of the Pizzaonian Newsertainment Network, Diverti Mento, editor.

*Mathew 16 - 13-20"

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