The visionary sons Mohammed and Jesus and so many others remind us this day that we are often sleepwalkers who wander through life with eyes closed to the glory of each moment, of each other and this emerging universe. Might we move from numbness and apathy this day to take in all that is bounteous and beautiful. (Amen, Let it be so)

May our drooping eyelids be lifted this day from the slumber of the un-awakened so that we see God and divine and miraculous in the vastness of this world; in the busy work of the ant, in the awesome beauty of the flower, in the ordered cycles of the seasons and in all we encounter.

May we be awakened this day to how beauty, grace and pervasive life-force fills this world, this broadening, globe and universe which is the temple of distinction in oneness, diversity in unity. May we treat with profound reverence each blade of grass and the earth beneath our feet, the food and drink that nourish us and every person whose path shall cross ours. May we honor everything that lives and breaths.

For neighbors, friends, parents, children, co-workers, lovers and adversaries….may we regard them all in love, patience, inclusion. Those close, those far away. Might we heal the word and bring new depth and meaning to the reality of salvation through our daily decisions to mend, heal, reconcile, reach out? Might we be more aware of our ability to create heaven and hell here right now? Life is so short and so much is at stake. So many possibilities to learn, to grow, to become, to be challenged, to risk, to love…..

We affirm this community on the way of new becoming, traversing new territory in the land of the now – making bold, fresh tracks along with others who would diminish the egos and traditions claiming superiority – in order that the world and its peoples would be gentled into seeing new ways of connections, vitality and unity. May it be so.

Today is the day we rise up from our sleep to live as neighbors, Muslims, Christians, Jews and all others - as sojourners together on the pathways of goodwill, service, compassion and justice. Today is the day we commit to living as descendents of the prophets who called for mercy, kindness and right living rather than blood to be spilled and for war to be made.

May we know the awesome implications of inviting abundance, unity and wholeness into our lives – for the liberation may be too much, to overwhelming as we move from limitations, chains, excess and pettiness. We are ready to enlarge our half-hearted loves with the ageless truths found within all traditions, all peoples. (return to first paragraph?)

Let it be so. Amen.

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