Sharing the light

"We light this chalice to remind ourselves of that flame which burnes in each of our hearts. Remembering that when flame meets flame, match meets candle, the two become one, belonging to each other."

Joan Montagnes, Canada, in One and Universal, edited by John Midgley

I bought this neat little book from the UUA bookstore entitled, One and Universal, edited by John Midgley, which has prayers which he has brought together on behalf of the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists which was formed in 1995.

I like the metaphor of lighting the chalice and reminding ourselves that we are of one heart as Unitarian Universalists.

Yesterday, I went to visit a prisoner in one of our state prisoners. I like to think that I do this on behalf of the Brockport Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. We didn't and couldn't light a flaming chalice in the waiting room, but hearts are joined his and ours as we celebrate the inherent worth and dignity of every person, and the justice, equity, and compassion in human relations.

The Spirit of Life is inclusive and calls us to recognize our oneness with all of humanity and other living things.

Is visiting the incarcerated an important part of our Unitarian Universalist faith? If we are to share the divine spark, the divine flame it is. No person should be left in darkness. It is important for people to know that no matter how heinous their actions, their mistakes, their sins, they are still loved.