As I walked through our lobby this morning, I saw that it is decorated for Christmas...and then I noticed the menorah. That's a first, I thought...and my thought was not smiling. Which caused me pause. I really had to think on that...why am I a tish peeved at a menorah amongst the Christmas decorations?
I am half pleased and half embarrassed to admit I realized it was jealousy not bigotry that perturbed me. Christmas is for Christmas decorations and a menorah is not a Christmas decoration. Then I realized that for all I know this season is also the time of a Jewish holiday. Oh. Okay, then.
That line of thought led me to consider what I've observed but never put into words. For whatever reason, many of us seem to be borderline petrified of the word "Jesus." If the word is even said, some shrink in distaste, others shrug dismissively. However, the word "Buddha" is accepted, welcomed even, and the Buddha is quoted often.
I am half pleased and half embarrassed to admit I realized it was jealousy not bigotry that perturbed me. Christmas is for Christmas decorations and a menorah is not a Christmas decoration. Then I realized that for all I know this season is also the time of a Jewish holiday. Oh. Okay, then.
That line of thought led me to consider what I've observed but never put into words. For whatever reason, many of us seem to be borderline petrified of the word "Jesus." If the word is even said, some shrink in distaste, others shrug dismissively. However, the word "Buddha" is accepted, welcomed even, and the Buddha is quoted often.
We must needs beware: The day will come (and is probably closer than we think) when someone will walk in and simply say, "Allahu Akbar" and too many of us will go up in our own smoke.
We claim "live and let live" in defense of our own beliefs, but refuse to budge for another's...and why? To protect our shutdown mind?
Still more spiritual growth is all about living from a raised consciousness. Not to put too fine a point on it, but living from a raised consciousness is living for others. Which cannot be done from the reasoning mind...or, can only be done through a power greater than our own self, by whatever name that chooses us.
Mazel Tov. Allahu Akbar. Thank you, Christ Jesus.
Thank you.
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