AUDIO VERSION OF THE TEXT BELOW
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The origin of Easter is rooted in an ancient pagan tradition, the celebration of the goddess, Eostre, who heralded the beginning of spring. While the name “Easter” is used in the English-speaking world, many cultures refer to it as “Passover” or “Pascha”. Early Christians chose to celebrate the resurrection of Christ around the time of Passover because Jesus died during the Passover festival and his followers believed he was resurrected from the dead three days later. So. it was logical to commemorate these events in close proximity.
More importantly, however,
each of these traditions is rooted in a story of OVERCOMING and BECOMING.
These stores depict the overcoming of ‘exile’ or ‘death’ and of being renewed. And this is the key. Resurrection (according to the Christian tradition) is a time of renewal and becoming of Spirit. So, as we approach the Easter festivities,
we are asked to contemplate on blossoming and becoming of the ‘I AM’.
Very truly, I tell you , the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these
John 14:12, NIV
Regardless of your faith or beliefs, the I AM always refers to the Divine within. Rumi called it the Lover who cherished the Beloved (God). As I breathe, I am constantly reminded of the I AM within, the individualized Spark (the Lover) within me.
The Father and I are one
John 10:30 NIV
We can use the Season of Easter to celebrate and reaffirm the I AM within by claiming our TRUTH. And the Truth is that God’s (the Beloved’s) Divine Spark (the Lover) lives in us all in an individualized form. The Truth is that we can become aware of the Essence of this Spark and manifest the Loving It emanates in our lives.
O God, reveal to the soul
that place where speech has no letters,
so that the pure soul might go headlong
towards the expanse of nonexistence
out of which we are fed (Rumi I, 3092-4)
So, who is the I AM that resides in me? Who is this individualized Spark? What unique qualities of Spirit does is express?
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If you want to contemplate on this questions and receive some tangible answers do this TASK at this link.
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AUDIO VERSION OF THE TEXT BELOW
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Rev Renshaw writes “A consistent meditation practice creates the conditions for authentic creation from within. You begin to get clear on what you’re doing and why.
I AM, which means Being, life, awareness, unconditioned consciousness, Self-Originating Spirit. All things are made by the self-contemplation of Spirit, or God. It creates by itself, becoming the thing it creates.
God (Divine, the Beloved) is I AM THAT I AM, and you are I AM (the Lover), and you make your destiny and your own fate by the things which you attach to that I AM, for that is what you really believe about yourself.
You are God (Divine, The Lover). You are the “I AM that I AM”. You are consciousness. You are the creator. This is the mystery, this is the great secret known by the seers, prophets, and mystics throughout the ages.
…I Am is your real identity, the Presence of God (Divine) in you, the Indwelling Christ. That is you, and
whatever you attach to I AM with conviction, that you are and that you will have.”
The task and the text above is borrowed from Rev. Janell Sachi Renshaw
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The Promise of Easter
Posted by ildiko
