“In all sacred literature, the hearts of the storytellers are revealed in the stories, their breath is felt in the words on the page, and we may be touched or moved or stirred by their ancient art. And maybe we can glimpse a truth that they saw, if we read closely and reflect on what we have read. And we can get a glimpse of what later interpreters saw, if we serve up their symbols as a separate dish rather than baking them into the story. We need a chance to savor each perspective.” -Paul Beedle
How have you found new perspectives in sacred stories?”
Just last evening I was discussing with my spouse the meaning of what it means to “walk on water” in relation to engaging in multi-religious ministries in UU congregations in other settings. The Messiah calls us to come out of the safety of the boat of our own particular religious tradition, be it Christian or otherwise, so that we will encounter our fellow community members and neighbors more fully and deeply, and know what it truly means to love one another. It can be a terrifying journey at times and we can feel like we are about to drown. But the light of life reaches for us and lifts us up, and we walk together with the loving arms wrapped around our shoulders as we continue in the ministries in which we have been called, in all of the storms as we walk on the water. It is one of my favorite sacred stories that I found a new perspective in just last evening.