Day 4: 40 Days of Reflection ~ Remembering OurSelf as Christ

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus —Bible, Romans 8:38-39 (KJV)

It is a strange and circuitous journey we take when we believe we are “personally” responsible for Awakening. It is apt to be dispiriting when we realize “people don’t awaken” and that we have never done anything wrong, or right. You are not asked to perfect yourself, you are being invited to see perfection!

And in Christ’s vision He would show you the perfect purity that is forever within God’s Son. —ACIM (T-13.X.10:11)

A mask does not evolve and become enlightened. Any description of a person; sinner or saint, merely describes the perceptual problem. Complexity of characterization may increase making it’s Truth hiding purpose doubley concealed—if we identify with the personae we are now twice removed from healing in mind. “The face of Innocence” can become thick and lacquered from “trying” and “being unfairly treated” by a world, or body, or relationship that will not appreciate it’s noble efforts.

Here again is the paradox often referred to in the course. ²To say, “Of myself I can do nothing” is to gain all power. ³And yet it is but a seeming paradox. ⁴As God created you, you have all power. ⁵The image you made of yourself has none. ⁶The Holy Spirit knows the truth about you. ⁷The image you made does not. ⁸Yet, despite its obvious and complete ignorance, this image assumes it knows all things because you have given that belief to it.  —ACIM (M-29.4:1-8)

Remember “Of myself I can do nothing.” Like the character in a novel who schemes and contrives to emulate an outward imitation of heroic change through judgement of his failings—before anyone notices his shame and guilt. We the Reader must first remember an Innocence which transcends his thoughts and deeds.

It is forgiveness that shifts our experience as we read a book or watch a play. No plot twist or emotional turn of events has ever told you how to feel. No guarded self improving character has ever allowed you to watch your own mistakes and innocence play out. That is why writers and actors allow us this intimate glimpse into the contradictions of a seeming inner and outer life. All the while we are rooting for the character to overcome “this split”, which the character never can—it is the one watching that has a perceptual problem!

Watching this story unfold we may finally alight on the sheer absurdity of his quest. Laughing in a Holy Instant of incredulity that anyone would try. Loving the Innocence of the attempt and yet with true empathy releasing all attachment to it “working out that way” for him, or anybody.

I would behold you with the eyes of Christ, and see my perfect sinlessness in you. —ACIM (W-161.11:8)

We love flawed characters because there is no other kind. A character is not Christ. A character can never become Christ. The One watching can merely begin to recognize that no-body holds true Identity.

They are all reflections of beliefs and desires in the mind. Like celluloid film, flickering shadows momentarily resisting the pure Light of Christ.

The play of 8 billion people, of galaxies and stars, of frogs and felines is a masquerade. With the Vision of the Holy Spirit, Christ Presence is experienced. Through Acceptance of the Atonement all are released from the game of becoming perfect. It is an unforgiving game. Be kind when you find yourself playing it.

Jesus was! He came to demonstrate we are perfected in Christ. That was the function Jesus served in the play of awakening. His was not a success story in the life of the body. The crucifixion was the last useless journey. Do not take it again! It has already been done for you. Acceptance of this gift, is your function.

⁸In his eyes Christ’s vision shines in perfect constancy. ⁹He has remained with you. ¹⁰Would you not learn the lesson of salvation through his learning? ¹¹Why would you choose to start again, when he has made the journey for you? —ACIM (M-23.5:8-11)

The “blocks to the awareness of loves presence” are not “real things” in our personality or the world we  must overcome, or heal. They are misunderstandings in the mind about “whom you are” as you watch the adventures of forgiveness play-out for the character on the screen.

Because reality is changeless is a miracle already there to heal all things that change, and offer them to you to see in happy form, devoid of fear. ²It will be given you to look upon your brother thus. ³But not while you would have it otherwise in some respects. ⁴For this but means you would not have him healed and whole. ⁵The Christ in him is perfect. —ACIM (T-30.VIII.5:1-5)

Forgiveness is not interpersonal. It is an invitation to step away from the drama and addiction of personal healing. To join with the Holy Spirit in allowing this character from the past to play through without judgement, and to Remember OurSelf in Christ.

No fear can touch the Host Who cradles God in the time of Christ, for the Host is as holy as the perfect Innocence which He protects, and Whose power protects Him. —ACIM (T-15.XI.2:9)

Below is a sweet 2-minute meditation on the yielding that allows us to Remember OurSelves in Christ. Let the Light stream in. No heroics, merely a handing over to the Holy Spirit of our hopes, dreams and desires to care for our “so called life.” That we may be led gently, as down a path in summer to the delight of our Home in Heaven which we have never left!

Love, Sarah

You need be neither careful nor careless; you need merely cast your cares upon Him because He careth for you. —ACIM (T-5.VII.1:4)

 

The true resolution rests entirely on mastery through love. —ACIM (T-2.VII.4:2-4)

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