I humbly set aside the notion of talking about God as a person, and yet I have no problem whatsoever in talking about God as “personal” — at least in a certain way … Please allow me to explain:

To say that God is a separate entity not only denies all scientific evidence (Where could He be, why can we not tangibly see Him, and why does He only seem to “reveal Himself” to certain individuals in manners most contradictory?), but also denies all consistent logic (Who created Him, and how can He exist apart from the Universe that He created — Howe can He exist outside of “Everything”?) … Just as importantly, to speak or think of God as a separate person is to deny the moral brilliance of all the Spiritual Masters who have come before us; teachers & sages & gurus & even scientists who seem to note without exception that an actual spark of the Divine resides within every atom in the Universe — even within each of us.

To say that God is personal, on the other hand — at least in the proper context — reveals a Truth both patent & practical. For if the ultimate vision of God is an energy that is of ultimate potential, then such a Moving Force has no choice but to encompass literally everything; It has no choice but to be a literal full embodiment of the entire Cosmos — a pulsing expression of the Unity of matter & energy & the Oneness of all beings … Such a “Greater God” literally must be omnipotent (all-regulating) & omnipresent (all-infusing) & omni-amorous (all-Loving), and thus such a Divine Essence — such a “Soul Source”; such a “Life Essence”; such a “Grace Generator” — by its very nature cannot be separate from us at all, but is rather intrinsic & innate to our very existence.

Indeed, without an actual ember of God glowing within our very own bodies, we would not be able to warm to the joyous movement of our living, or glow in conscious appreciation of the Beauty that surrounds us, or radiate Love via gratitude or service with our Souls … Of course, even though such a Divine Spark cannot ever be extinguished, it must be fed to more than smolder; it must be fanned to shine brightly … And this requires us to actively & boldly embody its very Nature; with acts of selfless Love — & deeds of random Kindness — & expressions of heartfelt Gratitude — & grantings of humble Mercy … For far more than any prayer or tithe or expression of piety, THESE are the summons that reawaken our oft-slumbering Father in Heaven.

My Friends, it has taken fifteen billion years for us all to get here … This is a scientific fact. None of us are merely the products of our parents or our upbringing. Indeed, 60% of our bodies are made up of hydrogen atoms that date all the way back to the our particular Universe’s originating fireball … Yes, my Friends, we have truly been around for quite a long time, and we have been carrying God within us for the entirety of that long & wondrous journey … And as such, I think it’s finally time for us to start acting accordingly — to cease being mere containers of great sacredness, and to start courageously emanating the same; to cease being mere passengers on this planet … and to start acting as the gentle stewards thereof instead.

Peace to you all … S

(inspired by Matthew Fox)

“On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and that you are in me, and that I am in you. They who have received my commandments and adhere to them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father … Those who love me will emulate my word, and my Father will love them, and we will both come to them and make our home within them.” ~ Jesus Christ (John 14:20-23)