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Hymns: Opening, All Creatures of the Earth and Sky, #203
Closing, Peace like a River, #100
Reading: The Oversoul, #531
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of great revelation for me has been the continuing mystical photographs
that have been flowing for years from the Hubble Telescope. Numbering in
the thousands now, they have given us a view of the universe that was
unthinkable, unimaginable just a few years ago. The great swirling masses
of matter that form galaxies, the explosive energy of super nova, the
incredible form and look of gases spread across the universe like dancing
veils, the idiosyncrasies of our own solar system … huge Jupiter
with its storms as big as Earth, Saturn’s amazing rings, the blue floating
beauty of Uranus … pictures all downloadable onto our computers. To be
used as wallpaper. What a miraculous peek into our home.
The scope of the universe is literally beyond our capacity to imagine.
Some of the galaxies photographed by the telescope are so far away we can
see the entire structure, dozens of complete galaxies, in one photo. Each
bigger than our own Milky Way galaxy which holds thousands of suns and
solar systems. The light from their creation took millions of years to
reach us. They may no longer exist, yet we look on them now.
Did you know that there are still in existence hydrogen atoms and photons
from the big bang? You may be hosting some right now as we sit here. They
have been in existence for a mere 15 billion years. So, if you feel old,
there is a reason.
So what does all that have to do with our lives here on Planet Earth you
ask? I don’t know exactly, but here is a theory.
If we all were aware, every minute, every day of our lives, of the miracle
of creation and the great power and beauty of the universe in which we
live, we would not become consumed by pettiness. We would see the true
nature of our existence on the planet. Countries would not enter into
quarrels with their neighbors….something as unimportant as the artificial
boundaries of earth countries would not be cause for conflict. The many
cultures of the earth would be honored and celebrated as part of our
ongoing grateful song to the universe. We would feel so constantly blessed
that there would be peace in the world and in our own hearts. If we were
all constantly aware.
In truth, in reality, how are we doing down here, on this blue planet, the
3rd rock from the sun?
I have been feeling nervous about us. We, the humans, are supposedly the
stewards of our beautiful home. But, we act as if we are its despoilers.
You all know the litany. We see the rain forests disappear before our
eyes, many species of animals are endangered, pollution destroys more and
more life despite our technological advances to control it, and so on.
Despite all the previous lessons, wars still rage. Worse, genocide has
ravaged areas like the Balkans and Rwanda. Hate and the presence of pure
evil seem to abide no matter what we do to change. It is always “the
other” who is at fault, of course, the main reason why it does not change.
Even remembering the wonderful spirit of millions on Earth who work for
its flourishing preservation … even remembering the astonishing beauty and
diversity of the world and its inhabitants … it is hard to not lose faith
at times.
There are great lights in the world, people and places. Where beauty and
sanity prevail.
One such light has been America. For many years, we were the hope of the
world. So many have come from all over the world to join us, to become a
part of the most successful experiment in democracy in world history.
Indeed our light has burned brightly in the past. The ideals we have
espoused and, at times, brought to life, have inspired the world. But
today, there has been a shift, a change in the way we are perceived around
the world, and a shift in the way we see ourselves.
Though responsibility goes far beyond the present leadership of the
country, we seem mired in a cycle of selfish, narcissistic national
behavior that is disturbing. Rejecting the healing possibility of one
world cooperating to bring peace and prosperity to all, we relentlessly
pursue our own agenda, everyone else be damned. The more conservative
among our leaders believe their truth is THE TRUTH and hammer it down the
throat of the world.
Positions have hardened, conflicts without compromise have become common
place.
I worry about America.
In the West, we have our own unique challenges. Water and land use have
headed our list for many years. The tide flows back and forth. Presently
vested interests are holding the high ground…….perhaps soon, the people
will again have a bigger say. At least the dialogue seems more civil here,
more respectful. Perhaps that’s because we see the stars more clearly than
anyone else.
Colorado is large and beautiful, varied and stunning. Too many people seem
to know that now. We have one of the healthiest populations in the country
because we are so often out exercising while connecting with nature. In
the summer we have to fight off those from around the world who want to
share our lovely spot of earth. Whether we do that with grace and
kindness, or not, measures some of the depth of our spirit.
Then, there is the Denver Metro area. The population center of Colorado.
The urban area that is our home. How are we? Pretty good I think. Not
perfect, but pretty good. Our economy is healthy, Denver has a really
interesting mayor who has pledged to end homelessness in Denver within 10
years. Boulder County has one of the finest open space programs in the
country with Jefferson close behind. We are safer than many in similar
urban areas. We have a rich diversity of religions practicing here. There
are enough college and pro sports teams to keep even the hard core pretend
jock happy. Our cultural life is thriving … The DCPA recently won a Tony
award, the Colorado Symphony, community symphony orchestras, opera
companies, ballet and dance groups, and community theatre groups are doing
well. All good for the soul. While remaining small enough to get from one
side to the other within a reasonable time, we have all the advantages of
a large urban area. I worry about the pace of development and the
continuing loss of open land, but this seems part of the price of living
in a beautiful place. One only has to look out a west facing window to
know why so many wish to be here.
Then there is the Columbine Valley. A center of religious conservatism. A
place where violence has claimed the lives of children. A place where good
people live. It is not yet the model of what we, as members of a liberal
faith, would like it to be. And we are working to change the ratio. So
that more and more are drawn to a broader way, the way of the free mind
and curious spirit. The violence has left wounds that haven’t scarred over
yet. Part of our mission may be to help create more effective ways of
healing. So the darkness turns back to light.
Then, sitting here on a busy road in the Columbine Valley is us. Columbine
Unitarian Universalist Church. A representative of two old, vigorous,
liberal traditions. Both committed to changing the inner and outer
landscape of the world. How are we doing?
Well, we are still small……have you noticed? When I came three years ago it
was hoped that CUUC would take off and grow up enough to begin a capital
campaign to build a new church on our lovely land site. That kind of
growth has not transpired yet. Though we have grown from 52 to about 75
members in that time span, we need more, I am told, to have a chance of
reaching that goal. How DO we grow? I believe we grow by not worrying
about growth. By being a loving, supportive, active, spiritual community
that makes a difference in the world. Then we grow automatically because
visitors are attracted to our caring, our aliveness, our spiritual
essence. We grow, also, by having great services that we all benefit
from….meaningful sermons, fine musicians, profound readings and chalice
lightings, and honest sharing from the heart among us all. That and
peaceful, loving, grown-up dialogue among us when there is conflict……an
inevitable condition wherever groups of humans gather. The essence of
spiritual practice is compassion and forgiveness. Especially when we think
we’re right.
Finally, in this journey from ultimate macrocosm to small microcosm, there
is me. How am I?
Well. I am well. It has been a difficult year and a half. From
prostate cancer discovery and treatment (successful I might add), to the
suicide of my father-in-law, to the long dying process in which my sister
continues, to the frailty and needs of my almost 96 year old mother, life
has been demanding a lot of us. It has been hard to be a present husband,
father, minister, and counselor during this time. This is life, of course.
Illness and death are as much a part of life as birth and celebration. How
we manage such times is a true test of our spiritual and emotional
development.
I look forward to the two months that I will be gone from my ministry
role. I will miss being here with you, as I always do, but this summer I
need the space for there to be healing to my soul. So, as I stated in my
letter to you in the newsletter, I can return on Aug. 23 “refreshed and
ready to serve you with my whole heart again.” (Just to remind you, I will
be here leading the service next week, and in the office on June 21 … then
I will be gone.)
The universe, the world, America, the West, Colorado, the Denver Metro
area, the Columbine Valley, CUUC, and me.
What does it mean to live spiritually at each level of our lives? How do
we keep our eyes on the prize of living consciously, in a sacred way, at
all these levels simultaneously? I believe, as I stated earlier in the
sermon, that it happens when we stay aware of the miracle of creation
every day, every minute. I believe we are living lives of spirit when we
regularly see the power and beauty of the universe in which we live, and
take the time to be grateful. For when we are grateful, and filled with
awe, we are on holy ground.
Today, this very day, may we all lift our eyes and fully see the miracle
of creation in all its mystery, complexity, and beauty……and know that we
are blessed.
Amen.
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