“You shall be holy, for I AM, the Eternal One your God, am Holy.” (19:2)

“Do not turn to idols or make molten gods for yourselves: I AM is the Eternal Who is your God.” (19:4)

From holiness comes motivation for social action in the world, reflected in these lines:

“You shall not pick your vineyard bare, or gather the fallen fruit of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger: I AM the Eternal Who is your God.” (19:9 – 10)

And from holiness comes the essential recognition that when we awaken to our True Nature, Love is the natural consequence:

“Love your neighbor as yourself: I AM is the Eternal One.” (19:18)

Behind all the impressive ritual of times both ancient and modern is the extraordinary simplicity of this spiritual reality. From the recognition of the holiness of the Being we share comes a natural way of being in the world.

We look forward to a time when right action might no longer reflect our willingness to follow rules. When we are able to know ourselves as spiritual beings and therefore able to meet and treat each person as a sacred instance of the Divine, compassionate and just action in the world will flow from the very nature of our Being.

Our challenge is to remember the One we are.

I am connected to All Being right now.

Life flows through me in loving ways.

I witness One Life awakening within all beings now.

When I forget that I am interconnected with all Being, I tend to. . .

What most helps me remember that I am One with All Being is. . .

When I feel truly connected, I realize. . .

 
© 2008 Rabbi Ted Falcon, Ph.D. All rights reserved.

To receive Rabbi Falcon's Weekly Focus via e-mail, contact Bet Alef.