Moment of Oneness, July 30, 2024 - Prepared by Deb Trees

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Upper Room Inclusive Catholic Community

Listen and Choose the Work You Are Called to Do

Welcome dear friends to this Moment of Oneness. 

Taking the time to pray and be still is something that Jesus modeled for us. Listening to the Spirit speaking to each of us in our being and our hearts is a skill that can be practiced and cultivated. In today’s world, similar to Jesus’s time, there are all manner of voices and noise, and it can be difficult to hear what we are supposed to do. 

For this evening, quiet yourself as we listen to the following words of wisdom.

Reading: From Teachings of the Hindu Mystics edited by Andrew Harvey.

1. 1. Sri Krishna: By devotion to one’s own particular duty, everyone can attain perfection. Let me tell you how. By performing his own work, one worships the Creator who dwells in every creature. Such worship brings that person to fulfillment.

1. 2. It is better to perform one's own duties imperfectly than to master the duties of another. By fulfilling the obligations he is born with, a person never comes to grief. No one should abandon duties because he sees defects in them. Every action, every activity, is surrounded by defects as a fire surrounded by smoke.

1. 1. Make every act an offering to me; guard me as your only protector. Rely on interior discipline, meditate on me always. Remembering me, you shall overcome all difficulties through my grace period but if you will not heed me in your self will, nothing will avail you. 

1. 2. If you egotistically say, “I will not fight this battle”, your resolve will be useless; Your own nature will drive you into it. Your own karma, born of your own nature, will drive you to do even that which you do not wish to do, because of your delusion.

1. 1. The Lord dwells in the hearts of all creatures and whirls them around upon the wheel of Maya. Run to him for refuge with all your strength, and peace profound will be yours through his grace.

1. 2. Be aware of me always, adore me, make every act an offering to me, and you shall come to me; this I promise, for you are dear to me. Abandon all supports and look to me for protection. I shall purify you from the sins of the past; Do not grieve.

A Reading from the Bhagavad Gita

Listening as an Art.

Listening is obviously a talent that can be cultivated and enhanced, especially when we are providing a healing presence for others. But what about when we are providing a healing presence for ourselves. Do we give ourselves the same time, energy, and focus? Do we give ourselves the same space? Do we bring our hearts and minds to listen to our desires and our truth?

Giving ourselves the same level and art of listening can be a challenge. When we follow good listening practices, we can do it.

Take the listening pose with yourself.

Let’s take a moment of silence as we ponder these readings and thoughts for ourselves and for our lives…

Intercessory Prayer:

• 1. Jesus, you show us the practice of quiet and reflection.  Help us to follow your way in every moment of our lives here on earth.
• 2. Jesus, you give us an example of God’s love for us, Keep reminding us of this great miracle that we can hardly fathom.
• 3. Jesus, you love us unconditionally. Show us by your example how to treat all people in our lives, whether they are intimate or a fleeting encounter.
• 4. Jesus, you challenge us to Love and trust in God’s grace and presence. Thank you, in complete gratitude, for the opportunities that enfold in our lives.

Please add your own requests for anyone, or any issue you desire… 

Deb: We ask for all of these holy imperatives for ourselves, in our communities and beyond in our earthly presence. 

AMEN

Deb: Final Blessing: May each of us find the strength, patience and love in our hearts to meet ourselves in quiet and listening. 

May we have the awareness to find our own calling and to respond as best we can. 

May we have the awareness to see ourselves as beautiful spirits of God’s Love and Presence. AMEN.

Closing Song: I am Light. India.Areie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ism8dBjxKvc