What is the Apocalypse? I have not studied “Revelations” in the Bible very extensively, so I do not claim to be versed in the subject. I found this definition for Apocalypse in Webster’s Dictionary: “…one of the Jewish and Christian writings of 200 b.c. to a.d. 150 marked by pseudonyms, symbolic imagery, and the expectation of an imminent cosmic cataclysm in which God destroys the ruling powers of evil and raises the righteous to life in a messianic kingdom”

Are we experiencing the Apocalpyse? Many think we are. However, I do not believe in doom nor an outside God that punishes. God is Love and I am sticking to that. My belief system tells me that all is Consciousness and what we focus on grows. With this in mind, I am not surprised that we are seeing more and more disasters both natural and human-made. It seems that we are being bombarded every day with something of cataclysmic proportions. Last week Las Vegas; This week the horrendous fires in Northern California? Floods and Hurricanes. What is next?

My heart goes out to every person, animal and blade of grass that is hurting today in Northern California. My Heart is with the people of Las Vegas. For that matter, my heart and love is with each and every part of this world and its people who our suffering in any way.

I cannot step back far enough to know the answer for every person that is directly touched by these tragedies. What I do know is that I must continue to make a difference right where I am. I must continue to assist people to love themselves. I must forgive and then forgive again. I must hold to the Truth that God is all there is and that this Power does not desert us. It is right where all the calamity is, making itself known and revealing the Truth which is Love.

Every time we begin to be upset or feel dragged into these occurrences, I invite us not to get swept away and down. Instead, I invite us to take a deep breath, get quiet and claim that Love is present wherever the hurt is. I invite us to get quiet and ask, if I am here, what is mine to do? I invite us to love the person right next to us a little more. I invite us to work on our own inner strength through our personal form of prayer, meditation, or any other mindful activity. I invite us to take time to be grateful for everything.

We make a difference. Whatever we are claiming, whether it is the Apocalypse or the reign of Peace on Earth, it is felt everywhere. Adding fear to fear is being irresponsible to our fellow brothers and sisters who are hurting right now. Giving all the Love we can is strengthening them.

Let me go back to that first definition. “…an imminent cosmic cataclysm in which God destroys the ruling powers of evil and raises the righteous to life in a messianic kingdom”

Emerson defined God as Love. The words are interchangeable. God is Love. So perhaps, we might think on this idea of Apocalypse again. Perhaps Love is the cosmic cataclysm that will destroy all evil (which is the absence of love). Perhaps all these natural disasters, etc. are just calls for love in a greater way. Mother Earth is calling for love. It’s just all a call for Love.  Christ Consciousness is perfect Love.

We are rising in consciousness. A new earth is being born. Love is the only answer. “Perfect Love Casteth Out all Fear.” I’m standing in this. I’m sticking to this. “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I know that you are joining me and all the world is one.” I’ve taken a little liberty with the lyrics, John Lennon, but I believe we need something more immediate than hoping and someday. Love in Action is all there is right now!

Love and Aloha,

Rev. Rita