“Why, you might ask, is a word such as chosen used, when many other words would do, and when the concept of being chosen is one laden with so many false ideas about exclusivity? (The Treatises of A Course of Love: A Treatise on the New, 1.6)”
Affirmation: “All are chosen.”
Reflections:
But we do often bristle at the thought that there are only certain people who are chosen of God. A Course of Love changes all of that.
Many religions have the concept of a chosen people. In this treatise, Jesus is aware that we may have trouble with the use of the word “chosen,” which in this world has frequently been a divisive word–not only religiously, but also politically and culturally.
A Course of Love is all-inclusive, for all peoples. For those of us who find these volumes arresting, we have chosen Jesus as our guide. Elsewhere Jesus, in these volumes, indicates that he is the pathway for us, and that his words are meant to be accepted by everyone. I think that Jesus is here saying that the way for us is through him (as the New Testament and A Course in Miracles both say). In A Course in Miracles, he indicates his awareness that others have chosen other pathways. He indicates in ACIM that contemplation will work, but that it is not our way, and why would we choose something that is meant for others and leave aside what is meant for ourselves?
Jesus would not teach a gospel of exclusivity. Those who are ready to choose him as their guide already know that a guide is meant to be followed. Why choose a guide such as Jesus unless one has confidence in what he says? All who choose him as their guide can be reassured that all peoples are “chosen.” Some will know more for a time, but the message of Jesus goes out to everyone who is ready to accept it. All will come to know eventually.
Prayer:
Dear Father/Mother,
Thank you for making clear to me that all are chosen. We do not have to fall back on the ego, and think that because we know the “right” way, we are the chosen. All are chosen, regardless of their religious pathway.
Thank You, though, for having Jesus as our guide. His way is sure, and it is not only effortless but also loving in the extreme. Love creates joy. Thank You for my joy today.
Amen.
ACIM Workbook Lesson for Day 144:
My mind holds only what I think with God.
There is no love but God’s.
The world I see holds nothing that I want.
