God Consciousnesss

I was at the event described by Pat (below). For much of the time I was aware of differences in the atmosphere. There were nuns and priests present who were on their "home turf" and clearly stretching out the hand of hospitality. There were seekers of information or philosophical enlightenment who set themselves up to take notes. There were Muslim men whose voices reverberated with the sunset prayers, and Muslim women adorned with a beautiful array of head scarves. The appearance and aroma of food was foreign to me....except for one tray of pizza! At times the human voices produced a cacophony of sounds...such a variety of linguistic patterns, intonations and rhythms! As I spoke with the Muslim family at my table and observed the dynamics between father, son, mother and wife, I could sense many differences from the way "we" communicate in our home. The key speakers addressed the various ways each group embraces the practice of fasting as a doorway to a deeper consciousness of God's presence and movement.

Then came the blessing when we experienced the grace of God breaking in! When the time for the Muslim prayers began, I suppose there were some present who remained absorbed in a stance of curiosity....standing on the side line as a spectator. However, there was a profound and powerful shift that could only have been produced by the corporate focus upon God's presence. With the vast majority of human attention no longer intent upon "self", I could feel that same atmospheric settling that takes place when I am in a Christian Contemplative Prayer Group. It was there...that total, deep, peace that feels like human energy and time standing still!

When mortal flesh keeps silence and moves away from all earthly concerns, there is certainly, MOST CERTAINLY, a peace that transcends all understanding. It was a mysterious, miraculous experience to see that a group so varied in culture, tradition, religion and politics was able to experience together Stillness Before God. It was a moment of God Consciousness! It didn't last long. After all, we are human, and even in a gathering where we have pledged to be in "conversation", the distinctive differences that define how each group sees God result in boundaries of separation.

I give thanks for this opportunity....and for every opportunity given for human, mortal intellect and ego to settle to the background so that everyone present can be more conscious of God than anything else.