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Thursday 08/16/2001
A worried mind lives in the future. An unhappy mind lives in the past. Only a peaceful mind abides in the present. When worry haunts you ask: Is it true now? Moods flee in the light of now.
Rev. Ellen Grace O'Brian
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Friday 08/17/2001
Attraction and aversion are the twin poles of desire. To want is attraction; to hate is aversion. To refuse to forgive binds us to the past through aversion. Though consciousness is impartial to attraction or aversion, it registers both as mental imprints. These patterns influence our subsequent thoughts and feelings, which eventually become lenses through which see and interpret the world. Let go. Forgive. Cleanse your mental spectacles by dissolving the old hurts and angers that continue to haunt the soul. Let in the light of God's unconditional love.
Rev. Ellen Grace O'Brian
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Saturday 08/18/2001
Resentment builds a prison, thought by thought. Forgiveness tears it down at once.
Rev. Ellen Grace O'Brian
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Sunday 08/19/2001
Forgiveness is a change of heart that occurs through the activity of grace. We cannot change our heart but we can change our mind. We change our mind through willingness. Becoming willing to forgive opens the door to grace.
Rev. Ellen Grace O'Brian
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Monday 08/20/2001
When the mind is agitated with worry and fear, the darkness of ignorance clouds our wisdom. This is when discernment is needed. Like a sheriff breaking up a fight, discernment asks the participants to quietly step outside. Stepping into the light, a new perspective emerges. We can similarly step outside our present tests and roles by calling on the spiritual power of intuitive discernment in meditation.
Rev. Ellen Grace O'Brian
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Tuesday 08/21/2001
If we are hurt by criticism, we can deduce that we are also seduced by praise. Both praise and blame can be practice goads for us. When we get involved with other's opinions of us, it's an opportunity for self-inquiry.
Rev. Ellen Grace O'Brian
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Wednesday 08/22/2001
In moments of praise inwardly release attachment and give thanks to God for all gifts. In times of blame or criticism ask if there is any truth to it. If not, it will fall away. If so, see it as a valuable opportunity to improve your character. Look upon critics as friends in disguise.
Rev. Ellen Grace O'Brian
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