1 Samuel 24: 1-22

David is told that God will deliver Saul into his hands. And as promised, Saul walks unguarded into the cave where David is waiting. But David makes a decision - even though he could easily kill Saul, he will not because Saul too is one of God's anointed.

Saul asks, "Why? When a man meets his enemy, does he send him down the road with a blessing? ... The kingdom of Israel is already in your grasp?"

When we see people as reflections of God's love and treat them as such, we begin to heal the separation in the world.

Luke 13: 31-35

Jesus did not run away in fear when he was told that Herod was after him. He continued to do his work. He lamented his end would be in Jerusalem "killer of prophets".

Luke 13: 22-30

To know God is far deeper than being a member of an exclusive club. God's club is inclusive, all you need do is allow yourself to experience Her.

Luke 13: 18-20

Metaphors for the kingdom of God

• a pine nut that grows into a pine tree with sturdy branches
• yeast - bread that rises

The kingdom of God is within - it grows when nurtured and provided with a supportive environment.

Luke 13: 10-17

Healing on the Sabbath.

Jesus demonstrates that he is willing to interpret the Jewish Scriptures to enable him to show compassionate love.

Is this not a demonstration that we should be guided by compassionate love rather than a restrictive, literal reading of scriptural laws.

Luke 13: 1-9

Don't give up on people. Here is an argument against capital punishment. There is always a possibility of someone experiencing God in their lives, whatever their situation. None of us is perfect - in fact, as part of te system, we are as "guilty" as any "sinner". In the concept of Ho'oponopono each of us is responsible for everything that happens.

Morning reflection: August 8, 2008

I am on an early morning walk on the second day of the ACSBE retreat at Mountain Gap Inn near Bear River, NS.

7:15am
There is a chapel here! It is a fairly large wooden, barn-like structure with sides that slide open. It has a sanctuary. There is an old pump organ that has seen better days and I doubt it would play. Small tree trunks - or maybe branches - standing on end, hold large round candles aloft.

It has the feel of regular use. The beams are adorned with heart-shaped twig baskets that I can imagine filled with floral tributes - perhaps it is used for weddings.

What is it about a place that is dedicated to God? It has presence.

There are ten rows of pews with a centre isle. It would comfortably hold 110-120 people.

There is a cross on the roof over the entrance, otherwise there is no symbol of any particular faith.