‘The
most important thing in the Olympic games is not to WIN but to take part.’
I
believe the whole world was blessed in 2012 by the happiness, harmony and
increased understanding between individuals and nations generated by the London
summer
Olympic games. So many stories of individual courage and endeavour
emerged—particularly during the following Para-Olympics. The energy of shared
and brotherly comradeship has continued for many months into 2013. Although,
obviously, there are the news stories of suffering and sadness, there are also
many which celebrate individual heroism. Now the world looks forward to the
Winter Olympic games in Russia.
Last week the Olympic torch set off on its 123 day journey of 40,000 miles
before it comes back to the Black Sea resort
for the opening of the games on 7th February 2014. Mr. Putin said: ‘Today is a joyous and momentous day. The
Olympic flame—the symbol of the planet’s main sports event, the symbol of peace
and friendship—has arrived in Russia, and in a few minutes it will be on its
way around our huge country.’
It seems
very significant to me that at the same time as the Olympic torch is on its
journey (which includes travel to the North Pole and ascending Europe’s highest
mountain), the Commonwealth Games baton (containing a secret message from the
Queen) has set off on its journey—this one is 120,000 miles across Asia,
Oceana, Africa, North and South America, returning to the UK for the opening
ceremony in Glasgow on 23rd July.
What a
wonderful opportunity both these travelling symbols of brotherhood and peace,
bring to our world for the months ahead, uniting us all as they journey through
all these diverse countries. In Healing
the World White Eagle reminds us that we can all be ‘light-bearers’. It
makes me think that though we may not physically carry the Olympic torch or
Commonwealth Games baton, we can carry the Christ power and light
wherever we go, through our love and thoughtfulness, and energy of peace. White
Eagle says:‘Your task is to be a
peacemaker and a light-bearer. Radiate peace in your world and in your own
country. All can recognise the spirit within themselves and within their
brothers and sisters. All can put on one side earthly standards, and see
humanity through the eyes of the spirit. So often humans bow the head and look
at the earth instead of looking up to the heavens to see the vision of the
spiritual realms, the kingdom
of God.’
