Okay, I’m going to refrain from telling the caterpillar’s story. Suffice it is to say that transformation is not just change. Change is already hard. We resist change. And change, nevertheless. Transformation asks for everything we are, everything we have. Including our intention and willingness to surrender. In service to emerging Life, transformation dissolves our old ways, allowing something beyond our wildest dreams to emerge. (So, yeah, the butterfly.)
Why transformation now? March is the month of Easter (this year) for Christianity. Not just the Easter of bunnies and eggs, but total transformation of Jesus, from living itinerant rebel rabbi to tortured, executed legend.
Transformation does not always end in death, even as it always asks surrender and purification – untangling and releasing life-energy trapped in old structures of fear, denial, blame, rage, shame.
Transformation requires surrendering the illusion that we are in control.
In the Hopi Elders Prophecy for the 21st century, we are along the banks of a raging river. They urge us to let go of the shore and plunge in. Joining each other in the living waters. Learning to swim together, to buoy each other up. Surrendering to total transformation of who we are becoming, together.
Transformation is Life’s greatest creative act; and its greatest challenge and gift – to us, to each other, to the world.
Last month, I invited you to join me, Betsy and Zellda in reading the UU Common Read, On Repentance and Repair, which describes a process for the inner work of justice and equity, transforming who we are: people who no longer cause harm. Discuss the book with us on Zoom, Wed Mar 6 and Mar 20, 6:30-8 pm. For the link, check the weekly eBellsound or contact the office at office@olmsteduu.org.
In Fellowship,
Rev.Mary
