Open-hearted, faith-focused

In last week’s service, we talked about how being openhearted might be a good alternative to attempting to build one’s “self-esteem,” a concept very linked into a system of rewards and punishments, according to some researchers.

And this week, we see more of those rewards and punishments and when we do, we see patterns which can cause uneasiness amid those who care about the democratic process, fair decision-making, equity and pluralism. What does it mean when rewards are offered for transgressing fair processes, when personal vendettas decide who gets punished and when it is hard to figure out the criteria for some of what is happening around us?

Amid this, how can we be openhearted and welcoming to our spirit? We can do this by offering compassion to ourselves and to the others most affected by these undulating waves of reward and punishment tied to the self-esteem and unsatiable needs of a few. We do this by not being afraid to keep our hearts open–to cry when we need to cry, to rant when we need to rant and sometimes to just turn to whatever we believe is larger than ourselves and ask for help.

Our efforts to keep our hearts open are part of remaining focused on our faith. The small actions which keep hearts limber and lithe are those efforts where we bear witness to one another’s pain and disappointment, those spaces where we celebrate our capacity for happiness despite it all.

Together may we remain openhearted. Together may we stay faithful and focused.