Just a brief note regarding the tragedy at Knoxville.
On the one hand it was the act of a deranged mind. Such a thing could happen anywhere and to anyone. And the odds of a repetition here at First U are slight.
And, at the same time, it was a conscious assault on religious liberals and very specifically on Unitarian Universalists.
There was something particularly awful in the fact this attack took place at a children’s performance. it invites a greater sense of anxiety than might otherwise be the case.
So, what should our response be?
I had the privilege of meeting with a small number of us following worship this past Sunday. I also spoke with others, including our presidents.
I believe prudence calls for a review of our safety procedures and in consultation with the presidents I’ve invited the formation of a task force to address these practical issues before the formal beginning of our church year. I will also serve on that committee.
And there is something larger, as well.
I believe from the depths of my being that liberal religion offers a saving message to the world. Ours is a way of the open mind and the open heart.
As I engage this path of openness, I find many things. Among these is that motto which might be the cornerstone of Western civilization, carved in stone at the oracle of Delphi: Know Thyself. The great commentary on this, for me, is how the oracle proclaimed Socrates the
wisest of all because he knew what he didn’t know. This, I feel, is the way of the open heart and the open mind. Of course, as a natural truth, variations are found throughout world culture. In Zen this is called various things, each, i find in its way helpful, but two particularly invite me; to maintain a “beginner’s mind,” and to “only don’t know.”
It is the way of curiosity about self and other. And it offers two paths, the way of knowledge and the way of wisdom. With deep gratitude to the way of knowledge, our gathering as a spiritual community is focused on the way of wisdom.
I find the discipline of this way of wisdom is to keep the mind and heart open, particularly when events conspire to shut us down. Hatred is one way this happens. Anger may well be the most appropriate response to a particular event or situation, but if we let it fester and burrow into our hearts, it can shut us down. Fear is like this, as well. Again fear is natural and is sometimes the appropriate emotion in the face of events. But if we let it become central, then, again, we shut down.
For example, fear of death. One lesson that comes from maintaining an open mind is the certain knowledge we will die. Our existence is precious and passing, two truths. Openness allows us to live fully with life and death. But sometimes the temptation is to turn away, to
shut down, to gather our children to us and wish for something other than the beautiful, tragic, passingness that is life.
The call of our way is to resist living in hatred or fear, but rather open ourselves, constantly. It is a call to hold our children, but with a certain openness, to let them live, as well, in the world we find, not another one…
Of course we don’t always live up to our ideals. I know I don’t. But, we have profound ideals. Which, I believe, as we manifest them, bring that possibility of healing to the world.
So, as we reflect on our lives together, on our own paths, on the hopes we have for ourselves, our families and the world; I hope we walk with prudence and constantly seek to open ourselves to the world.
It is, I believe, the call of wisdom,
and healing.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In