August 28, 2021
A Wise and Intelligent People
A Reflection from the Interpath Traditions
by Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P.
A Reflection from the Interpath Traditions
by Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P.
When the time came for the people to settle in a land of their own, the Divine commanded them to be faithful to the Law of God. This Law, observed with a pure heart, would bring peace and prosperity. Thus, the fourth chapter of Deuteronomy gives us tremendous insights into the vitality of what it means to live in the presence of God.
“Commanded” is a forceful word but it has a tender side. My grandma commanded us to be kind to one another in the family. Her commands were wise. My mother “demanded” we be generous of heart and simply respectful of others. Think for a moment of all the wise and intelligent people in your life who “commanded” you to be wonderful and “demanded’ you to be your best self. They never demanded what they themselves did not do.
The “Law” of God is a precious gift to receive. The Law is a window into the heart of God. The commands and ordinances help us to recognize the sacredness of life and the preciousness of one another. The Law of God is in the pages of creation. Every time we turn, it is as if we are turning the pages of a great book. We see the birds of the sky, the fish of the sea, the Moon, and the Stars. Everything and everyone is born of the Word of God, which is no less than the Law of God finally inscribed in the depths of our hearts.
God reveals God’s Law to a people who must remember their responsibilities to be a light unto all the World. No good gift is given for the sake of ourselves alone. Instead, the Law of God reflected in the expanse of the Universe reminds us to be kind and generous to one another.
Our hearts break over the plight of the people of Haiti, the devastation of climate change, and the tragedy of Afghanistan, to mention a few. We look to God’s Law of love for hope and courage, realizing we must be wise and intelligent in the pursuit of what is right and just.
Now is the time to pray that we might be a people “wise and intelligent” who are generous of heart, courageous of love, and bold in our actions.
We are but one human family living on the promised land of Earth. May we live here wisely and justly.
Blessings to you, Holy Community, for seeking to be wise and intelligent. With the Law of God written in your hearts, who knows what blessings will soon unfold.
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Notice
As things begin to return to a new normal, we at The Interfaith Peace Project are here for you in any way that you need us. The Antioch Center is now open to fully vaccinated people on Wednesdays, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. We are vigilant and will adjust to any and all recommendations from the state and county. We will continue our work through Zoom as we add in person programs. If you would like to schedule an in person or Zoom program or would like a phone appointment with any of us, give us a call. You may call or email Tom at:
Tom Bonacci
925-787- 9279
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