There is a tendency in all religious traditions to make spirituality a private affair, all about my relationship to my God, my salvation, and my enlightenment. Of course, the spiritual life must be grounded in our soulful contact with God and Guru, but it cannot stop there. Our ever-expanding consciousness must include others. If our love for God does not extend to others, especially to those who are suffering, then our love for God is not love at all. This is why Jesus sends 72 of his disciples into the highways and byways of life, commissioning them to bless, heal, and dispel all forms of darkness. Let’s pause a moment to consider today’s Gospel passage from Luke (10:1-12, 17-20)
At that time the Lord appointed seventy-two others whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves to heal those that are ailing, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has drawn near to you.’” The seventy-two returned rejoicing, and said, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.” Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. Behold, I have given you the power to tread upon serpents and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy, and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” In that same hour he became exultant, blissful in the Spirit, and said, “I praise you, Lord, because you concealed these things from the wise and clever and revealed them to mere children; yes, Father, because such was pleasing before you.”
What was true for the 72 disciples is also true for you and me. We are called to be light bearers, healers, and instruments of God’s love in any and all circumstances. In order to fulfill this noble calling, we ourselves must remain untainted by the negativity so prevalent in the world. We must fly above the raging waters of anger and hatred that possess so many people. Nothing good can come from speech and actions propelled by vitriolic fervor. We can neither heal nor bless what we hate. This is why Yogananda tells us, “If you keep your mind on the resolve never to lose your peace, then you can attain godliness. Keep a secret chamber of silence within yourself where you will not let moods, trials, battles, or inharmony enter. Keep out all hatred, revengefulness, and desires. In this chamber of peace God will visit you.” We must remember that God created the world out of love; therefore, the creativity needed to heal and bless the world can only arise from love. Goodness and all of its manifestations have only one source: love! With childlike simplicity, let us endeavor to live from this depthless well.
Divine Mother,
With your guidance,
I will practice your peace
And convey your love
In all circumstances.
