We Are All Just Stars...
This Photo
by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA
This past week, I had the pleasure of filling the pulpit at the Congregational Church in Sunderland. This is the sermon I gave, which my daughters had asked me to publish.
Blessings!
We Are All Just Stars...
(c) 2020 Rev. Linda M. Rhinehart Neas
When I read these words, it struck a chord. I immediately remembered that Carl Sagan said we humans were "made of star stuff," I have loved the image - the idea that something so foreign, so spectacular, so utterly mysterious as a star could be part of who we are.
Since Sagan's commentary, scientists have proven that we are, indeed, made of star dust. The same bits of elements that have hurtled through space since the Big Bang, have contributed to creating all that exists, including us.
Including us…wow! this sure changes how I look at the story of the Epiphany! The Magi – astronomers from different parts of the world – were drawn to a Star. Was there a new star in the sky, or was the Light that shone from the spirit of Jesus so bright that it lit up the world? We do call Jesus the Light of the World…did the writers of the Gospel sense what Sagan and scientist have proven?
"With souls made of flames..." For me, having been reared Roman Catholic, this line calls to mind images of mystics, the Holy Spirit and the Sacred Heart. After all, flame has long been used to portray all of these. In fact, poets and writers have used fire/flame/spark as a metaphor for our souls, our essence and our faith.
An example of this that comes to mind is the flaming chalice used by Unitarians. Open to various interpretations, it is symbolic of the warmth of gathering, the light of reason, and the flame of hope or truth.
But why is this important to know on this first Sunday of the New Year? For me, I find this to be a very visual reminder to look for the best and brightest in others, something that seems to allude many these days.
I believe that if we recognized that each of us, no matter how limited, no matter how advanced, no matter how diverse is made of the same elements as the stars themselves, then we would be less judgmental, more compassionate and kinder. Right?
I want to believe this. I believe that if we attempt to see the Divine Spark within each person we meet, it will help us connect with them. Thereby, we would be more able to look past their foibles. We would also be able to stoke that flame by giving our love, understanding and acceptance to them.
After all, "we are all just stars that have people names."
Name...words...this brings me to something that has become a ritual for me during the New Year’s – My One Word – which is a word that I find by various means to hold and meditate on over the course of the coming year.
This past year (2019), my word was “know. K-N-O-W” As my favorite artist, Vincent Van Gogh said, “For my part, I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of stars makes me dream.” I dream that we will see an increase of kindness, compassion and understanding in this new year.
Here are a few other things that have been affirmed for me over the last 12 months:
• I know that no matter how dark and cloudy life appears, above the storm there IS a golden sky!
• I know we all are given opportunities daily to be kind. We need to take these opportunities seriously.
• I know that children who have people around them who believe in them, go far.
• I know that a cuppa tea does make everything better!
• I know that even in my darkest moments, there was always something/someone who had my back - call it a spirit, a guide, God, angels, ancestors, whatever - I know it/they are there, always.
• I know we are all family; we are all connected, and we all need to remember this - now, more than ever before.
This year, my word is “visit.” (I randomly selected it on http://www.wordoftheyear.me/) I will explore all the variations of what this word means and how it fits into my life and ministry. I will share, that my first thought was finding more ways to "visit" with Creator...Spring is coming!
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