This sermon was submitted by Jedi Knight Wescli Wardest for an Open Sermon slot. We are grateful for his contribution...
Years ago, before the wisdom of age had tainted my daughter, we had just gotten home and standing at the front door… she turned to me and asked, “Dad, do you believe in Fairies?” Of course this is a question a little girl would ask her Dad, but what would I answer? And the first thought that came to mind was a scene from one of my favorite movies from my youth.
But what was the truth? Do I believe? And my mind whirled as I thought of all the references made to Fairies that I had heard of in the past. As I was thinking of this I began to talk to her about the different kinds of Fairies and how different cultures had viewed them throughout history. (I know, everyone wants an answer like that when they ask a direct question) She followed close behind listening intently, never interrupting or breaking my train of thought. And as I went on and on it dawned on me that what she actually asked was if “I” believed in them. So the conversation began to sway towards my first thought… truth.
I spoke of how it is completely possible to believe in something one can’t see or prove. How just because there is no proof that something does not exist that is not conclusive evidence that it doesn’t. I went on and on about how people in different cultures and from different societies over time had viewed truth. And still she set there patiently listening. And as I looked at her I realized that I had still not answered her simple question!?!?
But I had not lied to her! I may not have answered, but I never told her anything that was not true or could not be verified. And now as a Jedi I realize just how much everything is connected, and I am beginning to understand just how every connection affects the whole which we and everything is a part of. And it is true… that when a man lies he murders some part of the world. I knew this then, but didn’t quite realize the entire connection. This does not mean that we go out a kill some corporeal being or thing, but rather as we become further from ourselves which destroys the connection we have a little more. Many find truth to be a complex subject intertwined with so many other subjects. And to an extent, this is true. But, I feel that truth is! It is the whole which we strive to connect with and stay centered to. And our “untruths” draw us further from this unity.
It was impossible at the time for me to combine all the things I was trying to tell my daughter and put them in a way that she (and I) would understand at the time. But now, after much training and a lot of patience on the part of others I feel I have a better grasp of it. Which is our greatest quality of knight hood, Jediism, humanity or life? Truth. Rather we realize it or not, it is the It is the understanding we seek through knowledge and training; it is acceptance of that which is not yet understood; and, it is the bond which joins companions and grows unity.
By the way… for those that are curious, I told my daughter yes. I do believe in fairies. ;)
