ACIM Workbook Lesson 81 – for Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Affirmation: “I am the light of the world.”
Selected Passage:
“In [the world's] calm light let all my conflicts disappear. (WB146)”
Reflections:
When we recognize that we are the light of the world, then we will see a world, with vision, that is calm and conflict-free. We may not enjoy this utopia at all times, for we are still caught in limitations, and ACIM says that we are not going to be free of limitations in this world. But we can take a step forward. We can ask that our limitations be removed, and to the degree that we believe that they have been removed, to that degree may we be free.
Affirmation: “Forgiveness is my function as the light of the world.”
Selected Passage:
“My acceptance does not depend on my recognizing what my function is, for I do not yet understand forgiveness. Yet I will trust that, in the light, I will see it as it is. (WB146)”
Reflections:
We may have trouble fully comprehending the greatness that forgiveness can thrust upon us. We may not fully understand pardon. ACIM tries to teach us that forgiveness is the great need of ourselves as well as our brothers and sisters. It is given, repeatedly, as the function that is most important for us to fulfill in this world. We must remember that we do not forgive real wrongs; we only forgive illusions. And the wrongs that we have perceived are all calls for help (or calls for love). We do not recognize this, very often, particularly if our brothers and sisters are attacking us. We must make a determined effort not to “make real” this attack, to overlook it instead (Text tenets). Then we will know that forgiveness is the function that gives us back Heaven, even in this world. Awakening will not be far behind a full understanding of the value of forgiveness, or pardon. Remember that we are never ask to forgive the real. This would be what The Song of Prayer calls “forgiveness to destroy.”
Prayer:
Dear Father/Mother,
May I know no conflicts today. If my day seemingly goes well, may I be at peace. If my day seemingly goes badly, may I still be at peace. There is no reason for my heart to find rest anywhere except in You.
May I be a light of the world today. This is a great blessing, and one for which I thank You. May I shine and shine in the world today, before everyone whom I meet. May nothing interfere with Your blessings for me.
Amen.
