(10 people participated)
In the Bible (John 6:62), Jesus is described as the “Son of Man”, the human one who lived as the archetypal model for humanity. His actions and perspective are studied in this light:
1. For example, in the Bible (Luke 7:44), it is noted that Jesus washed his disciples' feet. To frame the cultural context, the group discussed different forms of showing reverent respect in the West and around the world.
In Western society, people are used to shaking each other's hands as a way of showing humble respectful personal attention. Jesus' action of washing his disciples' feet goes one step beyond how people in India frequently show great respect to each other. They bow to touch each others' feet as a practice of the awareness that God is everywhere and in all. This deeper more careful attention also helps to remind the recipient person of his or her own divine essence and helps to cultivate an earnest response.
All in the Adult Spirituality Group agreed that it's very important to give respect in culturally appropriate ways that the other can understand and appreciate. Day M. attended a Devi Bhava in San Ramon, CA.
* Please see the program details of a Devi Bhava at - http://www.ammanewengland.org/blog/ammatour-boston-home/devi-bhava-program-details. (One reason why I think that the program details are on the Web is so that people can open their minds beforehand to this culturally exotic event.)
2. We also chatted about the notion of Holy Communion, that we are sampling the body and blood of Jesus Christ through the wafer & wine. As a symbolic action, this seems an intimate way to experience the Christ’s teachings and example. As a literal action, this seems cannibalistic, a poor example for our young boys to learn, just as they often learn to respect discrimination and bullying among their friends.
What ever happened to softness and kindness? (Francis & Rose B.)
For next week, please finish reading Chapter 8, entitled, “Compassion”, in which Jesus’ role as a game-changer is discussed. Try to respond to the question, “Do you really want to make a change?” (Pastor Dan)
