[acimlessons_list] Review V, Lesson 175 - June 24

[Sue Roth]

Review V, Lesson 175 - June 24

"GOD IS BUT LOVE, AND THEREFORE SO AM I."

(159) "I GIVE THE MIRACLES I HAVE RECEIVED."

(160) "I AM AT HOME. FEAR IS THE STRANGER HERE."

PRACTICE INSTRUCTIONS

See Review V practice instructions.

COMMENTARY

<Paragraph 7 of the review introduction:>

You know, from the way Jesus talks in the first sentence, it sounds like
this is something he has experienced more than once! "My resurrection comes
again each time I lead a brother safely to the place at which the journey
ends and is forgot" (7:1). I'd certainly like to think that there have been
more than just him; it would be disheartening if he were the only one so
far. I think, today, that there have probably been far more than we realize
who have reached the journey's end with him. Sometimes we wonder why there
seem to be so few in this world who seem to have "made it," but if I think
about it, it seems to me that "this world" is the last place we are likely
to find such people! I'm just glad that Jesus, at least, has decided to hang
around and be a "savior...with those he teaches" (6:5). (Actually, the
Course implies that there are others as well; see Section 26 of the Manual,
"Can God Be Reached Directly?" first two paragraphs.)

There is something uplifting about the idea that when I learn, in some
circumstance, the way out of "misery and pain" (7:2), that Jesus is
"renewed." Actually, of course, that is true of all of us; every one of us
is renewed when a brother learns the way out of pain. Everyone we touch with
a miracle enriches us when they receive it. When anyone shares an account of
a miracle in their life, everyone who hears is renewed; that is what makes
the sharing so refreshing. My own walk with God is strengthened every time I
realize that something I have said helped someone. The Course often says
that those we help help us, that our brothers see in us more than we can see
in ourselves; that is how we learn to remember what we are.

Let me remember, today, that every time I turn my mind to the light within
myself, and look for Him, Christ is reborn. This is how the Second Coming
happens (see W-pII.9.3:2, "What Is the Second Coming?"). When we all have
given our minds wholly to Christ, the Second Coming will be complete. Each
time I turn to the light within, I bring it nearer. Each time today that I
remember "God is but Love, and therefore so am I," I hasten that day. Each
time I choose to give the miracles I have received, each time I remember
that my Self, and not fear, is at home in me, Christ is reborn in the world.

No one has been forgotten. I love Marianne Williamson's line, "God hasn't
lost your file." I like to imagine the hustle and bustle in the "heavenly
office," with all sorts of entities working on my behalf, all unknown to me.
Planting little clues where I'll find them. Arranging for me to meet the
right people, stumble over the right books, and go through the experiences I
need to go through.

But all of this needs my cooperation. The last sentence is almost
paradoxical, stating that Jesus needs <my help> to lead me back to where the
journey was begun. But it makes sense, for as the Course says all along, the
one essential is my willingness. He <leads> me, he doesn't force me. My help
consists in being willing to follow, stopping now and then to listen for
directions. And in doing the practice he gives me to do.

I notice that he is leading me backwards (!) to where the journey began, in
order that I can make "another choice" (7:5). All of his work with me is to
take me back to that moment when I made the wrong choice, so that I can make
it differently. Nothing, then, is irrevocable. Even the pivotal choice that
began the nightmare can be undone, and will be undone, and <has been>
undone. He is leading us up the ladder that separation led us down
(T-28.III.1:2). Each mistaken choice that I allow him to undo today is
another step back up the ladder to the memory of my original state, to the
memory of the fact that "God is but Love, and therefore so am I."

We give the miracles we have received, and as we do, we remember we are at
home, and it is fear that is the stranger.