I love Richard Rohr’s explanation of the Universal Christ. “No one comes to the Father except through Christ” (not the mere person of Jesus). The Christ is the universal unitive consciousness that is available to everyone. Some people have realized this universal consciousness, but most people have not. Many people who have realized it do not identify as Christians. And they are saved.
This passage is referring to the anointing of David as King of Israel. David’s eldest brother, Eliab, is NOT the chosen one. We are reminded not to be persuaded by external appearances or preconceived notions – because God is the One who sees into the heart of the one who is placed in charge of others. This reminds me of a certain false “king” in our own time….
“As Jesse and his sons came to the sacrifice, Samuel looked at Eliab and thought, ‘Surely the Lord’s anointed is here before him.’ But the Lord said to Samuel: ‘Do not judge from his appearance or from his lofty stature, because I have rejected him. Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the Lord looks into the heart.’” 
(1 Samuel 16:6-7)
Today is the first Sunday of Advent, the time of year when Christians prepare for the coming of Jesus at Christmas and prepare for his return.
I love the idea that, just like with Mary, the mother of Jesus, God somehow makes “requests” of us to enable God to manifest in the world. These requests are happening all the time, but we often miss them. Every day we are given opportunities to let the Light of God in, but we might also choose to obstruct the Light or even bring darkness instead.
From Rev. Richard Rohr: “Mary is the model of the faith to which God calls all of us: a total and unreserved YES to God’s request to be present in and to the world through us.”
“When you hold a lunch or dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you.”
– Luke 14:12-13
Commentary on this Scripture passage from Contemplative Outreach: “Jesus’ concluding remarks in this parable point to an even deeper invitation: Let go of all self-focus and move into agape, the unconditional love that seeks the well-being of others. He tells the holder of the banquet to host a meal for the neediest people with no thought of what might be received in return. In other words, we are to offer our ‘banquet’ of talents, service, and love magnanimously and without attachment to the outcome of our efforts.”
This selfless service – giving without thought about results or being repaid – is also known as Karma Yoga. Lord Krishna in chapter 3 of The Bhagavad-Gita, tells the warrior, Arjuna:
Man does not reach actionlessness by not performing actions; nor does he attain perfection by mere renunciation. (3.4)
Perform your bounden duty, for action is superior to inaction, and even the maintenance of the body would not be possible for you through inaction. (3.8)
The world is bound by actions other than those performed for the sake of sacrifice; do thou, therefore, O son of Kunti (Arjuna), perform actions for that sake alone, free from attachment. (3.9)
Therefore, without attachment, always perform the actions that should be done; for by performing actions without attachment, one reaches the Supreme. (3.19)
As the ignorant act out of attachment to action, . . . so should the wise act without attachment, wishing for the welfare of the world. (3.25)
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Do all things for the betterment of the world, in selfless service! Share a smile, pick up a piece of trash, hold a door open for someone.
May we think of the welfare of the world with each of our actions. Karma Yoga can be practiced every moment of every day.
I’m not sure what the opposite of the Type A personality is. I just know that I’ve never been into chasing “more” or competing with other people in any way. My treasures are so easily experienced moment to moment when I live a simple life. For example, I did a workout this morning then enjoyed delicious yogurt and cottage cheese for breakfast. I also watered plants in the backyard and pulled a few weeds while enjoying the beautiful morning air and the movement of birds and squirrels around me. Everything is a fulfilling spiritual experience when I’m fully present (rather than worrying about the future or rushing from one activity to the next).
Of course, my treasure is also found in being with my loved ones, and teaching Yoga every day. Doing small things to make the world a better place brings meaning into my life as well. There are so many opportunities for this when I’m really paying attention to life, when I’m centered and easeful. Peace to all!
Holistic Yoga & Spiritual Guidance 