As
we come into the season of Advent and Christmas draws closer, contemplation of
the biblical story of the birth of Jesus, and Mary and Joseph’s journey to
Bethlehem has made me think more about difficult journeys and being without a
home (or comfortable, safe place to rest) particularly when the weather is bad.
I am writing this at a time in the UK when we have been experiencing many
weather changes and recently bitterly cold winds and gales. This coincides with
my reading a graphic account in the magazine of Amnesty International about
what it is actually like to be a refugee struggling to get across Europe to a
safe place to rest. (A warm stable even would be bliss for these poor people!)
As I lay last night in my own cosy safe bed, my heart overflowed with
thankfulness that I was not a homeless refugee facing endless journeying in the
cold and wet—no toilets, harassment by local officials and all familiar
belongings left behind long ago. I sent out all the love and light I could and
prayers for openhearted kindness, and no more saying ‘Sorry there is no room in
our country’ (no room in my inn).
Then
I started to think about the whole tragedy of war and violent conflict and how
it never solves anything, but often just makes it much worse. When governments
react with more violence, it cannot result in peace and end of conflict as it
sends out a quite different vibration. White Eagle tells us again and again, ‘Whatever the problem, love is always the
answer’.
Recently
a member and Star Brother of the Lodge wrote to me about the experience he had
in the Islamic country of Morocco. He wrote: ‘Walking around in Marrakesh and staying in a hotel less than a hundred
metres from the second largest Mosque in Islam we really had a close view of
everyday life in a Muslim country. We got up early to hear the call to prayer—a
lovely uplifting sound. Later while out walking around the markets the midday
prayer was called and without thinking my inner vision tuned to the Star. I was
immediately aware of a silver light flowing from those that prayed, their
devotion, their commitment all flowing through the market towards the Mosque.
That evening, quite late, I resolved to tune in to the Star. At first I
couldn’t quite do it and found it much harder than ever before. But then I
started with my little light and I reached out with love. It was as if I had
lit dry tinder in a forest—the rush of light and the strength of the Star. The
power of love that came back was overwhelming, made me cry. I thought it may be
of interest in view of the recent sad events in Paris.’
I
did indeed find this of great interest and encouragement. Let’s put our match/
our light to the dry tinder and start a great heart warming fire of unconditional
love and compassion. Also, let us all go forward into the Christmas Festival
with our hearts full of thankfulness and celebration of all the good news. My colleague Simon Bentley
gave an inspiring talk in the Temple at New Lands last week. He reminded us of
all the good news there is around us, and not to dwell on the bad. We can all
help the world more than we realise by continually thinking positively and with
enormous thankfulness. So let us praise and thank God for the simple kindness
of those who say, ‘Yes, I can help you, I do have room in my inn’ (and in my
thoughts, and in the love of my heart to pray for you).
