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Spirituality
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The Community of the Beloved Disciple The ancient community founded by St. John, the Beloved Disciple, embraced three sacred vows given to them by Jesus in the fourth gospel. The Gospel of John contains hidden secrets that only initiated members of the community were able to fully understand. In this letter, the second in a series of letters before you begin your own formation program, we will take our first look at these vows and their significance today. The First Vow: This is the summation of the teachings and mission of Jesus - to demonstrate unconditional love. During the Last Supper Jesus gave his apostles a new commandment, one that he himself fully embodied. He said that he wanted them to love each other without conditions, just as he had loved them. This is where the inner and the outer teaching join and become one holy lesson. The Community of the Beloved Disciple considered this the foundation of their path to God. The practice of unconditional love transcends religion and dogma, all the differences that seem to separate us from one another. It is also the foundation of every esoteric path. It is clear, then, that the deeper one goes toward the heart of every spiritual tradition, the closer aligned they become. The goal of the Community is to first live, then extend this truth to all beings. The Second Vow: Jesus used imagery that could be easily understood in his time, and he told stories that taught common people deep truths. Many of his allegories centered on a shepherd's love for his sheep. He said that the Good Shepherd was the one that would leave his entire flock behind to search out one that was lost. What sense does this make to the logical mind? Obviously the logic of God is very different from that of the world. We are asked to feed each other in the same way, to leave everything behind, to risk everything for the sake of one soul. You have accepted a very important role. By vowing to feed the sheep you recognize that your own salvation is intimately linked to each person you serve. When one is freed we are all freed. Once again, where is the logic in that statement? If you think with your mind you will not find it, but if you gaze softly with the heart it will appear before you as if through the mist. The Third Vow: The Emissaries said, "You are ready." This was a statement to each one of us, both collectively and individually. Their role is over and it is now up to us to initiate the next level in the Great Plan. We are pregnant, preparing to give birth. The time has almost arrived, and the anticipation is great. The role of the Community of the Beloved Disciple is to prepare the way for the release of the Feminine Christ, or the Compassion of God. This role was given to them by Jesus when he said to Peter, "What difference does it make to you if I ask [John] to stay until I come again?" For two thousand years we have been living within the masculine extension of Divine Light. That light has now shifted, and it is the feminine that is ready to emerge, and it must emerge through us. We are the ones who will give birth to this Light, simply by willing to nurture and love one another. This is a role that has been traditionally held by Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Jesus told John to take her into his home and care for her. And yet the energy she extends is not limited to one form, but is for everyone, regardless of their religion or upbringing. The Feminine and the Masculine Christ are within us, and they are not separate from one another. It is not ours to bring them together, for they have never been apart. It is ours but to see what has always been true, and to give that same gift to all. These are the three vows you are preparing for. In Peace, |