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Meeting ID: 815 0755 1772
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The Call to Interior Freedom
Welcome: Welcome friends to this evening’s Moment of Oneness. I ‘ve been thinking about the state of the world; political chaos, wars, the choices some people make to deliberately hurt others out of their own need for power, inflated ego and greed. We can get swept up by it and feel overwhelmed and helpless. However, what if we chose to respond to our world from a place of interior freedom instead of automatically reacting? In order to do that, it seems we have to be free within ourselves. Rooted in the Something/Someone that is bigger than ourselves.
Opening Song: Namaste (Mark Hayes, Monique Daniels)
https://youtu.be/Hxf8QFTkYY8?si=t2t_W4tZYOS2zSjp
Reading: Richard Rohr says “Until you are free from your own self, you are not free”. What does it mean to be free? Can you be trapped in a cage and still be free? I ‘m realizing now that when I pray for the grace of interior freedom, it is actually freedom from disordered attachments of ego, control, fear and the need for other people’s approval. Its freedom for being in the present moment, trusting and surrendering to God’s love and providence for me and my life. Even in the unknowns. It’s freedom for being an authentic reflection of the Divine within, knowing that you and I are the Beloved of God.
(pause)
“There is no promise that everything will be rosy. The first thing is not to play savior of the world but to keep living in the world as a child of God. I see all these things happening, but I do not allow them to seduce me into the darkness. I live in the world but belong to God”.
(pause)
“We pray to know not only in our head, but in our heart, and in the center of our being that we are fully loved. That is why we pray. We pray so we can walk around this world and not be so needy, not be wounding others, and not be giving so we can get something in return. We pray to be free”.
(pause)
“To put it boldly, contemplation is the only ultimate answer to the unreal and insane world that our financial systems and our advertising culture and our chaotic and unexamined emotions encourage us to inhabit… Contemplation teaches you how to stand guard and not let your emotions and obsessive thoughts control you. Contemplation and silence nip the ego and its negatives in the bud by teaching you how to watch and guard your very thoughts. As Paul says, “Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7)
Reflection Time: Let’s take a minute to ponder:
To what am I attached? (Specific outcomes, control, fear, unhealthy relationships etc.) From what attachment, do I need interior freedom?
Intentions: For whom or for what, would we like to pray this evening?
Closing Blessing:
May the Spirit of the Lord rest upon you
and may the call of God sustain you,
as you seek to be a person of hope.
Transformed by the Gospel,
may you announce good news to the poor of heart
and proclaim freedom to those
who feel bound and restrained.
May you continue to use all your talents,
as the Spirit guides you,
and may you empower others to do the same
so that they may be filled
with the Spirit of healing, justice, peace and hope.
Amen
Closing Song: You Can Relax Now (Shaina Noll)
Please stop at 2:30 minute mark
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