One with Creation

My thoughts are still swirling around the ideas I encountered at “The Francis Factor,” sponsored by the Center for Action and Contemplation.

Two themes have emerged from the speakers: 1) one finds freedom and joy — indeed, one’s True Self — in oneness with Creation. 2) One finds freedom and joy in poverty — in living with, and working for, the poor. This post will focus on the first theme.

Ilia Delio, the theologian-scientist, showed how creation is evolving towards unity— towards The Christ, the Source of all energy and the universe itself. This evolution is becoming apparent in experiments in quantum physics, where atoms affect other atoms at great distances and appear to exist in two places at once. Our own deeds, even our thoughts and emotions, affect others and Creation. Our hatreds infect others and Creation itself. Our love affects others and Creation itself. We are one with Creation. We are one; we are two. But first, one.

On our way home from the conference we stayed a couple of days in Big Bend National Park. Morning and evening, the Vernon Bailey Mountain displayed its changing colors as we sat on our balcony. On the last day I sat and watched the mountain and listened for its message. It spoke to me of Creation’s steadfastness (and God’s).

I will enter another dimension of life someday, and Vernon Bailey may be there, too. But mainly it said to me, “I will be here for a very long time.” I felt peace and rest in its presence.