When I was struck with the title for this sermon, I also was struck with this thought: “my gosh I wish I knew the answer” and I suspect that is where a lot of people are at this moment. Wondering what has happened, what is happening, what to do, what will happen. If you’re anything like me, you’re action focused. What do I need to do?
Our doctrine helps us:
The maxim on Faith reads: Faith: To trust in the ways of the Force. Although the ways of the Force may seem strange at times, a Jedi always knows their place and their role within it.
At this time of high emotion, we may not feel like we always know our place and our role within the Force because what is going on around us may be clouding our vision, so let me offer us another piece of doctrine. The maxim on harmony reads: “Harmony: To be connected to the Force. A Jedi seeks to live in harmony with the Force, for that is the reason to be a Jedi. To better understand its ways, to better know one's place within it.” What does that tell us? That in order to know our place and role within the Force we need (especially now) to be connected to it. Are there things you need to add to your practice to connect more often? Connect more authentically? Consider this.
Now, let us consider our actions. The maxim on pure motive reads: Pure Motive: To act with motive and purpose. Without a sound motive and purpose, action has no meaning, no destination and lacks a foundation. A Jedi moves with the Force, trusts in its ways. A Jedi’s actions are firmly based upon a deep motivation to be as their path dictates.”
To do this, I think it's important to reflect on the Code:
Emotion, yet Peace. Your feelings concerning this current situation are valid, but you also know when an action you are taking is coming from a place of emotion or a place of peace. Whenever possible, remember what Thich Nhat Hanh says “there is always time for at least one in breath and one outbreath. Sometimes that is all we need.
Ignorance, yet Knowledge. We may not know all of what is going on, and we may not be able to take in all of what is available to us via the news, but it's important that as we move to take action, those actions be grounded in reason and compassion, not in fear and prejudice
Passion, yet Serenity. It’s clear there is a lot going on. Our passion can sometimes get the best of us, but again, nothing is so urgent that we have to act from a place other than our center in the Force, as instruments of peace, as Jedi
Chaos, yet Harmony. Obviously there is chaos, but we can be centered. We can be in harmony with the Force.
Death, yet the Force. There may be casualties. By the Force, I pray that they are few. Our 15th teaching says “ Jedi believe in eternal life through the Force. We do not become obsessed in mourning those who pass. We may grieve at their passing but we are content, knowing that they will forever be a part of the Force and so always a part of us.”
Finally, let us turn our attention to our Creed. Let us remember what our role is and what we (can) bring and what we should seek:
I am a Jedi, an instrument of peace;
Where there is hatred I shall bring love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
I am a Jedi.
I shall never seek so much to be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
The Force is with me always, for I am a Jedi.
May the Force be with you all
