Till the Silence Turns Golden

We are living in extraordinary times. Ill-will and suffering, short-termism and selfish motives, falsehood and cruelty are evident everywhere. Yet if we open our eyes properly, we can see that this is being more than balanced by the presence of an increasing and dynamic goodwill. This goodwill passionately advocates and embodies the long view and the absolute necessity for an enlightened selflessness that works out in an energetic creativity. There are magical demonstrations of this in every field of human interest and endeavour. It is the best evidence that the heart of humanity is not only sound, but alive and active, rhythmically infusing human consciousness with the higher energies of love, understanding and compassionate goodwill. When these are accompanied with an unshakeable hope and altruism, then we see practical visionaries at work and loving service at its best. We also glimpse the Christ consciousness developing within humanity.

One of the ways in which this new consciousness is manifesting in the world today is in humanity’s recognition of the interdependence of all life on earth. This vital connection is not confined to spiritual experience; it is also central to most mundane interests and activities too. The arts, for example, embody diverse cultural qualities and perceptions in wonderful creations using words, music, the visual arts, dance, architecture, not to mention the new and imaginative uses of digital technology. Friendly competition draws out the best in the participating athletes all around the world. Scientists demonstrate a world-wide collaborative effort to understand life from the smallest subatomic particle to the mind-boggling immensity of the entire Cosmos. Even international trade and finance operate on the basis that all human lives are inextricably linked into a system of mutual dependence. And religions, which used to have such a divisive and destructive effect, are now developing genuine mutual respect and together are sounding the note of humanity’s conscience.

Outworn ideologies and selfish nationalism are still too readily seen in politics. The results of this are only too clear for us all to see as conflict and war blights the lives of so many. These wars, conflicts, suspicions and mistrusts bring inconceivable pain and trauma – a sort of global “self-harming”. The remedy must surely be to evoke the Christ principle in us all, for this is the releasing energy that will bring about the “healing of the nations”. In the words of the poet, R S Thomas*:

Let us stand, then, in the interval
of our wounding, till the silence
turns golden and love is
a moment eternally overflowing

This is why in our daily triangles work, we affirm with confidence: “May Christ return to Earth!

*R S Thomas: No Truce With the Furies (1995)