We are all made in the image and likeness of God. Each single one of us, the vast family of man, is an idea of God – Life, Truth, Love. Each single one of our dear sisters and brothers reflects the fullness of being.
We have one Father-Mother-God, that has only favorites, all of us. There is no one over there while we are over here. There is no one at the center and others at the margins. A true view of the world shows us that everyone as power, spiritual authority and real leverage. The dignity, worth, import of each single one are already set by God, the creator of everything and everyone.
An image that the Bible is presenting for this wonderful truth is the Shepherd (God) and the sheepfold (all of us). Some of you might have heard of Psalm 23 that presents the care with which Loves is taking care of us in a poetic and powerful way, so much so, that it has inspired, uplifted, and healed thousands throughout the centuries. This image is really not part of any religion in particular: It is universal. If something is really truth, it has to be universal per se, without exception. In a sheepfold no one can ever assume the position of the Shepherd, which is already taken. And in a sheepfold it really doesn’t matter whose wool is fluffier or whose bleats – the famous baas you hear in the countryside from the sheep – are more musical. In a sheepfold it doesn’t make sense who is better or smarter. It is one sheepfold, and the only progress that is thinkable and possible is how to live peacefully and constructively together, how to be the sheep that you are meant to be. Love includes all, guarantees cooperation, has set respect and mutual interest as the key note in the symphony of Life we all share, enables kindness and empowers us to love, and love some more, and love some more still. Love is the mighty Yes of Life. Affirming this truth is true peace building. It is “affirmative action”, but spiritual style.
I am sharing a podcast I wrote, that is being presented by the Christian Science Publishing Society. You can also listen to it on Spotify – in English or German.
