Lenten Task for Wholeness
by Chris Duvall, RScP
When I opened my heart,
I caught God kissing the devil
In the bedchambers of my heart.
It was quite the scandal. ~ Chelan
Because of Divine Oneness, the personal shadow is inseparable from the collective shadow. Therefore, wisely and lovingly embracing one’s own darkness benefits self and society.
Rev. Greg Toews of Astara points out that shadows are revealed by repetitive non-releasing patterns. I can easily see stubborn patterns in society (gun violence, homelessness, all the -isms), but I’m often blinded to my own patterns which are hidden under emotional reactions that identify fault in someone else.
In a Lenten reflection, Father Richard Rohr of the Center for Action and Contemplation notices “Jesus offers only one sign in evil times, the sign of Jonah,” (Matthew 12:29, a reference to the story of Jonah and the whale). “Jonah had to be swallowed up in the belly of darkness and be spit up on the right shore before he could know what is essential, before he had anything of merit to say to anyone.” So, darkness helps us discover the right path.
I conclude that a meaningful approach to societal woes addresses the collective shadow from inside out. If enough of us take responsibility for our own darkness in loving consciousness of the whole, then perhaps the collective would show more health and wellness too.
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I recognize Divine Oneness, which is Light and Darkness offered to life for the sake of goodness, growth, rest. I honor light and darkness within me and all creation, for it informs and blesses life. I accept that darkness once acknowledged and processed contributes to physical, mental, emotional, relational healing. Claiming that, I humbly do my work and allow it to free me. I bless others in so doing and being. I’m grateful for mysterious Love, inclusive of light and darkness, healing and unfolding our world. I release this good into Spiritual Law. And, so it is.