By Don Wiley of Murrieta, California USA

Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?

Since before I can remember
there has been a yearning
a desire
a hope
a seeking
something out there (or in there)
that needs to be found
discovered
reached
achieved
just something.

At times it seems close
and other times very distant
almost disappears
but always there
even when I don’t pay attention.

At first it would surprise me
like déjà vu or awe
Then it causes me to search
not sure what for
but search nonetheless
Seeking answers to questions yet unknown
never feeling satisfied
yet knowing
there is something to be found.

Then there is an experience
that provides a glimpse of the unknown
and I think I’ve found it!
Tears and jubilation express the joy of growth and
Vision
yet the little bit of light and hope
soon is overshadowed by life
and complexity
and doubt.

Study and practice slowly
very slowly
lead to more glimpses
more “aha’s”
and more awareness that what is to be found
is much, much greater
than this moment or this finding.
The glimpses are becomings
evidences of openness
and emptinesses
that are part of the process
of becoming who I am called to be.
A glimpse occurs when trust peaks
trust in the unknown
leads to faith
and some knowingness.

Part of the process is accepting the limitations of this moment,
not being focused on limitations,
but accepting them (naming them)
and taking another step—
into the unknown.
Study and practice
in openness and receptivity to take another step…
until you reach through the veil.

Prayer Phrase

“Creation itself will be set free” (Romans 8:21).

Spiritual Practice

Holy Attention

Spend a few moments paying attention wherever you are. Notice what draws your focus surrounding you. Look more closely at detail and color. Notice what pulls or prods within you. How is the God-in-all-things speaking to you through what you see and feel right here, right now?

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.