by Tim Dolan
“The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name. He gave the right to become children of God- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.” —John 1:9-13
The author of this Gospel refers to himself only as “the Beloved Disciple” and because of it's obvious relation to Gnostic mysticism was almost rejected for inclusion into the New Testament. As in those days Imperialism reigns along with Materialism to turn it's back on “the true light that gives light to every man.” Untruths are asserted by those in authority; we are besieged by absurd images and unfolding disasters and spectacle. Getting the right president to save us seems out of reach. Where do we turn for help?
The true light that came into the world was first and foremost an inner light accessible to all people everywhere, then and now and in the future. Know that it permeates our world and the whole Cosmos. Next, allow quiet, undisturbed time to sense it through meditation: a heart/mind meditation wherein you actively imagine and wonder about light and truth and the common bonds you have with people everywhere who are also tuning in to what the ancient Egyptians called Maat, the goddess of truth. Solomon referred to her as Sophia, the antidote to confusion and uncertainty.
We become children of God, and therefore brothers and sisters, through the Christ Spirit. We belong here. May we become agents of world transformation.
— Tim Dolan serves as Chair of Pilgrim’s Spiritual Life Committee