Commentary on ACIM Lesson 291

© 2010 Rev. David Seacord

This is a day of stillness and of peace.

This morning a great happiness erupted from within me as I performed the necessary daily yard waterings. It was a simple sight that I had been praying for for seems like a couple of months, ever since my probable over-watering had resulted in the tangelo tree dropping every single leaf on it's branches. For weeks now, it has stood like a skeleton of branches surrealistically loaded with green fruit, while I have blessed it, prayed for it, and waited.... would it live, would it die? Today, I discovered it has chosen to live. Fresh leaf buds have begun to appear, some are starting to open. I was literally ecstatic! Yes, Yes, right on, go tree, go!

We each, in our own way, face the same challenges as that tree. While we are loaded with the gifts of the spirit, we have over-drunk of the world and its ways. Now each day there is a choice we are offered, to drink of the Remembrance of Truth or the Forgetfullness of the Separated Ones. Our Course is calling us to remember the reason we set sail upon this journey, and persevere. As the ancient wisdom of the I Ching intones: Perseverance furthers.

What do we persevere in? First, in correcting our seeing, then second, in correcting our Being. In this world, both are currently rare, and souls everywhere one looks exhibit expressions of one hungering for meaning. The only meaning that can possibly satisfy is that they recognize and remember their Holiness/wholeness, and the Love which then arises and flows naturally in all such lives.

Let us then, accept that we are now lightbearers, perhaps not yet perfected, but as interns, we are called to practice by simply sharing from our open hearts the miracle of forgiving one another.

As we discover new and deeper depths of the vastness of forgiveness, we shall receive the blessed reactivation of the ancient memory of our own creation, our true birth in the womb of the Perfect Love of the Infinite Godness.

Namaste,

David

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Lesson 291

Section 8. What is the Real World?

The real world is a symbol, like the rest of what perception offers. Yet it stands for what is opposite to what you made. Your world is seen through eyes of fear, and brings the witnesses of terror to your mind. The real world cannot be perceived except through eyes forgiveness blesses, so they see a world where terror is impossible, and witnesses to fear can not be found.

The real world holds a counterpart for each unhappy thought reflected in your world; a sure correction for the sights of fear and sounds of battle which your world contains. The real world shows a world seen differently, through quiet eyes and with a mind at peace. Nothing but rest is there. There are no cries of pain and sorrow heard, for nothing there remains outside forgiveness. And the sights are gentle. Only happy sights and sounds can reach the mind that has forgiven itself.

What need has such a mind for thoughts of death, attack and murder? What can it perceive surrounding it but safety, love and joy? What is there it would choose to be condemned, and what is there that it would judge against? The world it sees arises from a mind at peace within itself. No danger lurks in anything it sees, for it is kind, and only kindness does it look upon.

The real world is the symbol that the dream of sin and guilt is over, and God's Son no longer sleeps. His waking eyes perceive the sure reflection of his Father's Love; the certain promise that he is redeemed. The real world signifies the end of time, for its perception makes time purposeless.

The Holy Spirit has no need of time when it has served His purpose. Now He waits but that one instant more for God to take His final step, and time has disappeared, taking perception with it as it goes, and leaving but the truth to be itself. That instant is our goal, for it contains the memory of God. And as we look upon a world forgiven, it is He Who calls to us and comes to take us home, reminding us of our Identity which our forgiveness has restored to us.

Lesson 291

This is a day of stillness and of peace.

Christ's vision looks through me today. His sight shows me all things forgiven and at peace, and offers this same vision to the world. And I accept this vision in its name, both for myself and for the world as well. What loveliness we look upon today! What holiness we see surrounding us! And it is given us to recognize it is a holiness in which we share; it is the Holiness of God Himself.

This day my mind is quiet, to receive the Thoughts You offer me. And I accept what comes from You, instead of from myself. I do not know the way to You. But You are wholly certain. Father, guide Your Son along the quiet path that leads to You. Let my forgiveness be complete, and let the memory of You return to me.