[acimlessons_list] Review II, Lesson 82 - March 23

[Sue Carrier Roth]

REVIEW II, LESSON 82 - March 23

"The light of the world brings peace to every mind through my forgiveness."

"Let me not forget my function."

PRACTICE SUMMARY

Longer: 2 times (once for each of the ideas), for about 15 minutes

*	For 3 or 4 minutes, slowly read over the idea and comments
(repeatedly if you wish) and think about them.

*	Close your eyes and spend the remainder listening for the message
the Holy Spirit has for you. We can see this time of listening as having the
following components:

	1.	Listen "quietly but attentively" (3:1)-listen in 
		stillness and with all your attention.

	2.	Hold an attitude of confidence ("this message belongs to
me"),
 		desire ("I want this message"), and determination 
 		("I'm determined to succeed").

	3.	Listening for ten minutes can easily be one big invitation
  		to mind wandering, and so the majority of instruction for
this
  		exercise deals with this issue. For out-of-control mind
wandering,
  		go back and repeat the first phase. For more minor
wandering,
  		realize the distracting thoughts have no power and that your
will
  		has all the power, and then replace the thoughts with your
will to 
 		succeed. Do so with firmness. "Do not allow your intent to
waver" (4:1).
  		"Refuse to be sidetracked" (5:2).

This is not mentioned in the instructions, but you may find it helpful to
actually ask for the message, at the beginning and then periodically
throughout. You may say, for instance, "What is Your message for me today?"
You may even want to use this request as the specific vehicle for dispelling
wandering thoughts.

REMARKS: Regard these exercises as dedication to God. Refuse to be
distracted. Be determined to assume your function today.

SHORTER: Frequent

First half of day: "The light of the world brings peace to every mind
through my forgiveness."

Second half of day: "Let me not forget my function."

RESPONSE TO TEMPTATION:

You may use these specific forms or your own words:

First half of day:

"Let peace extend from my mind to yours, [name]."

"I share the light of the world with you, [name]."

"Through my forgiveness I can see this as it is."

Second half of the day:

"Let me not use this to hide my function from me."

"I would use this as an opportunity to fulfill my function."

"This may threaten my ego, but cannot change my function in any way."

COMMENTARY

My forgiveness serves three primary purposes, according to this review:

1. The light of the world is expressed through me, in this world, by means
of forgiveness.

In Part II of the Workbook, it says that forgiveness is the reflection of
love in this world (W-pII.352.1:4); it also refers to it as "truth's
reflection" (W-pII.357.1:1). The full reality of love cannot be known in
this world, but we can know its reflection, which is forgiveness. The
reality of what I am is reflected here as I forgive.

2. I become aware of my own reality, the light of the world, by means of my
forgiveness.

What comes through me shows me what I am. I become increasingly aware of the
Holy Spirit in me, and the Christ of which He speaks, by seeing His effects
through me (T-9.IV.5:5). To learn that I am love, I must teach love.
Forgiveness, love's reflection, is how I do that in this world.

3. The world is healed by means of my forgiveness, and so am I.

As I forgive those around me, they see love reflected through me, and they
see themselves in the light of love and are healed.

It is easy to see why forgiveness plays such a major role in the Course. It
is easy to feel motivated to "forgive the world, that it may be healed along
with me."

I like practicing the line, "Let peace extend from my mind to yours,
[name]." I will practice it now, as I write this, thinking of all of you who
will be receiving this message: May peace extend from my mind to yours.

With forgiveness as my function, and with forgiveness having so many
profound effects, I do not want to forget it today. It helps me become aware
of my Self, and so I want to practice it today. Let me use everything today
as an opportunity to learn forgiveness.