ACIM Workbook Lesson 341 – for Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Affirmation: “I can attack but my own sinlessness,
And it is only that which keeps me safe.”
“How pure, how safe, how holy, then, are we, abiding iin Your Smile with all Your Love bestowed upon us, living one with You, in brotherhood and Fatherhood complete; in sinlessness so perfect that the Word of Sinlessness conceives us as His Son, a universe of Thought completing Him. (WB474)”
Reflections:
1 – Theology vs. the Practical
There are some theological concepts in the prayer for today. While we do not want to haggle over the theological, it is fascinating to contemplate the nuances of meaning in A Course in Miracles. Keep in mind, though, that theology can distract us, and that Jesus says that it with the practical that we want to focus. There can never be a universal theology, but a universal experience is not only possible, but also desired. And ACIM provides some theology, for those who like this type of message, as well as abundant practical helps for living in this world.
2 – Explicating the Prayer
I want to focus on two aspects of the prayer. First, “living one with You [God], in brotherhood and Fatherhood complete” and second, “a universe of Thought completing Him [the Self that we are all meant to rediscover].”
3 – God = Brotherhood and Fatherhood
If we are to live with God in both brotherhood and Fatherhood, then there is an inkling, in my interpretation, that we are meant to become co-creators with God. This is the “brotherhood” aspect. But always we are aligned with God as our Father (using the masculine gender, as ACIM does). Our brotherhood is assured as soon as our will is no longer imprisoned by an ego run amuck. And Awakening will follow.
4 – A Universe of Thought
The second quotation, the “universe of Thought” suggests that the universe is Thought, a Thought that our Self knows, even though the egoic self does not. This is Idealism in philosophical terms. ACIM does see the world as an illusion, not real, and so nothing that happens in this illusion is actually true. We are Thoughts of God, when we are in our most exalted Self rather than the egoic self. The “Word of Sinlessness” is God Himself (though the prayer is not specific). And if God Himself gives us the indication that He is the Source of Sinlessness, then we might find it easier to believe that we are sinless–only having made mistakes that are theoretically correctable.
Prayer:
Dear Father/Mother,
What nuances of meaning are in today’s lesson! Thank You. I would ultimately know You as co-creator, regardless of how long (in earth years) this may span. I would follow Your Guide, the Holy Spirit, as I seek to walk the pathway back to You that You indicate is possible. I would give no credence to a separation that has not really happened. I am still as You created me.
Be with me throughout this day, regardless of what the day may bring. Yesterday had a few bumps in my ride, and it is likely that today will as well. I will not let that deter me. When stymied, I will turn to Your Guide, intended for me. Thank You for His Answer to all perplexities that may arise. Help me to enjoy fellowship, inwardly, with You, and fellowship, outwardly, with the others in my circle. Thank You for always holding me close when the day fills with what appear to be crises. Let nothing of the ego blow my adversities out of proportion. There is absolutely nothing that You can’t handle, that You won’t make come out alright in the end.
Amen.
MIRACLES EACH DAY 