The Way of Radical Solidarity
Jesus' call was not to mere attendance or belonging, but to the how of living - the embodied praxis of doing life with and for our neighbors. The soul's refinement occurs through engaged relationship, hands-on connecting and serving. Any contemplative path divorced from this is but navel-gazing.
Action and Contemplation should anchor us in an ongoing dance of integration. For too often we cling to one side for the wrong motivations - contemplation embraced by introverts to affirm solitude or those with leisure time; activism embraced by those fixated on single-issue agendas.
True contemplation is the deliberate seeking of the Divine through relinquishing attachments - to passing self-identities, emotional tyrannies, ego's siren songs, the world's hollow promises. While authentic action is decisive commitment to engaging society's realities. For injustices will never be overcome by mere thinking, discussion, or private prayer alone. Nor by protests, boycotts or voting bereft of contemplative roots.
Our name's hidden heart is Love - the generative force propelling all we undertake, as it did Jesus and the early church who proclaimed "God is love." In this era of planetary upheaval, we envision a movement of transformed people cocreating a transformed world through radical solidarity.
The only path through dualistic binaries is a universal forgiveness of reality as it is. This bonding grace transcends and heals every separation that law, religion or logic cannot finally resolve. We are all in need of this great liberation together.
For God intends not to shame individuals, which disempowers. But rather, to foster healthy solidarity with the whole through shared responsibility for the whole. An act of radical kinship that empowers - the very essence the Center is committed to embodying.
To live as contemplatives in action is to surrender to Love's ceaseless work of integrating our whole selves into service of the Beloved Community's co-creation, here and now. With every breath, every engaged presence, another radiant stitch adorning the epochal garment of the emerging universe story.
Find a comfortable position, sitting or lying down. Close your eyes gently and take a few deep breaths. Inhale slowly and deeply, feeling your breath fill your body. Exhale completely, releasing any tension.
Imagine yourself standing in a vast field, surrounded by people from all walks of life. This represents the "Beloved Community" – a vision of unity and love that Jesus embodied.
Think about the concept of "radical solidarity" – a commitment to love and support others, not just in theory, but in action. True connection with the Divine comes from serving our neighbors.
Notice any tendency to separate contemplation from action – perhaps you see contemplation as a solitary pursuit for those with free time, and action as the domain of busy activists.
Release this idea. True contemplation involves letting go – of self-centeredness, of emotional attachments, and of the ego's desires. It creates space for love to blossom.
Genuine action, on the other hand, is a dedicated response to the world's needs. It goes beyond mere thought, discussion, or prayer. It's about rolling up your sleeves and making a difference.
Now, shift your focus to the concept of Love – the driving force behind both contemplation and action. It's the energy that fueled Jesus' teachings and the early church's message of God's love.
Imagine a beautiful tapestry being woven – an image of the evolving story of the universe. Each act of love, each instance of service, becomes a radiant stitch in this tapestry.
Realize that we are all interconnected, sharing the responsibility for the world around us. We can't achieve true liberation through blame or shame.
Instead, cultivate a sense of "radical kinship" – a deep understanding of our shared humanity that compels us to act with compassion and solidarity.
See yourself as a contemplative in action – someone who integrates their inner life with outward service. Every breath, every mindful interaction becomes a stitch in the tapestry of love.
Feel the power of this collective effort – the tapestry growing more vibrant with each act of compassion. You are a part of something bigger than yourself, contributing to a more just and beautiful world.
Take a few more deep breaths, integrating this sense of purpose and connection. When you're ready, gently open your eyes, carrying the spirit of radical solidarity with you. Remember, every action, big or small, is a stitch in the tapestry of love.
