Reflections on the Commonwealth Games

Over the past two weeks here in the UK, we have had the opportunity to watch on television (or maybe lucky enough to actually attend) the inspiring spectacle of the Commonwealth Games taking place this time in Glasgow. This famous Scottish city has done the games proud. In these games the different countries of the UK—Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland—compete separately, but with great camaraderie and mutual support. Indeed, this seems to have been a feature of these games. There have been many scenes of competitors warmly congratulating their rivals, although they themselves missed out on their hoped for medals. In a previous blog—at the time of the World Cup—I wrote a piece entitled ‘Who Wins’, citing the Olympic creed and the importance of courageously taking part whatever the result. This spirit has certainly been demonstrated throughout these past days.

In both the Olympic and Commonwealth Games (the World Cup too, of course), there is an opportunity for many different nations to come together with a common purpose. The Commonwealth Games actually began many months ago when the Queen’s baton started its long journey across all the Commonwealth countries, in a similar way to the Olympic flame. But there is something very moving to me about a baton going from hand to hand, truly a symbol of friendship. These games are called ‘The Friendly Games’ with seventy-one countries taking part. During the fortnight of the games, with the news also full of the sad conflict in the Middle East, I have found the spectacle of so many other nations coming together in true friendship and shared endeavour, very balancing and uplifting.

This time also coincides with the centenary of the beginning of the tragedy of first World War I. And today, even though conflicts still rage in some parts of the world, there are many signs of hope. More and more people of so many countries around the world are realising that killing one another is not the answer, whereas the hand of friendship and understanding truly makes a difference. White Eagle tells us to keep hope high in our hearts and focus on the positive, and I believe that events like the Games, do help us to do that and show that there is another side to humanity, which is our ability to be there for each other even when we are competing. As resources in the world become stretched we will need to be able to work together in this way more and more.

The six-pointed Star, which White Eagle gave us as a powerful focal point for our prayer for peace eighty years ago now, is shining brightly over our world today, encouraging goodwill to arise in every heart and mind. I truly believe that conflicts will end, maybe sooner than we think.

As White Eagle says in Seeking Serenity : ‘We can see a glorious future for humankind when the injustices have been righted and men and women have learned the way of wisdom. We see the natural and beautiful coming together of all nations, united in one vast brotherhood; a time coming when human beings will understand their responsibility towards all the kingdoms of life! Be assured also that in world affairs right will conquer and justice will balance apparent wrongs. There will come an expansion of consciousness and humanity will look up beyond the astral planes to that celestial world where Christ and the angels and all the shining company of heaven dwell.’