We Stand Here Today

As we come to the threshold of the New Year,

The Torah calls:

You stand here with everyone,

with all who came before you,

and with all who will come after.

You stand here with those you love,

and with those with whom you deeply disagree.

You stand here with earth and all creation,            

preparing to cross over into a renewed relationship

with the Unfolding Mystery of all Life.
Deut. 29:9-14

How do we cross?

How do we enter into this New Year of possibility?

The Infinite Life Force commands:

Go with Love.

Love with all your heart, with all your soul,

and walk in the ways of love.                                      
Deut. 30:16

The soul trembles, it cries,

Love --

in the face of all this horror and pain?

Love --

as violence and cruelty rage?

Love --

as the heart constricts in hatred and fear?
 

This is the covenant, the Infinite replies,

This is why you are here.

And it is not too great a task for you,

It is in your mouth and heart to do.
Deut 30:14

Choose love.

Love those you love with all your heart, soul and strength.

Love the trees, sky, rivers and rocks.

Practice loving where it is easy,

for there will be situations

when love will be impossible to reach.

Let that be.

Love where you can, as best you can.

Love will make you strong.

I place before you all of life, the Infinite calls.

Good, evil,

devastation and blessing

malice and generosity --

Choose.

Let us place in the rosh (head) of this New Year

our fierce determination and unwavering devotion

to rebuild this shattered and beautiful world with love.
Psalm 89:3