Peace on Earth

Of the four synoptic Gospels of the New Testament,  only Luke has angels playing a key part in circumstances of the birth of Jesus, as well as that of his cousin John (who is known to us as the Baptizer). Whereas the Gospel of Matthew has Wise Men playing a role in finding the Babe by following the Star (of Bethlehem), as well as protecting Him from Herod, only Luke has angels playing the key roles. Further, the angels in Luke appear to simple shepherds in the field to herald a message from God as to the importance of this Birth, this Child born in a manger.

This has meant, for me, that the message and import of the Life and Mission of Jesus is not to be found (only) through study, but is available to all, as long as they keep watch over what the Universe has assigned to them for safekeeping. Mages, scholars and priests and priestesses may be led to higher places and states of consciousness, but all of us have the opportunity to participate in the Highest Mysteries. The Gospel of Luke is a populist edition.

So, what are the requirements, and what is the Message? First, the angels say: “Fear not”. Good start. If we are to receive Higher Guidance, the first requirement is to be fearless…when the Message does finally arrive in our lives. Second, what is the meaning of being a “shepherd”? In the Bible, “sheep” stand in for the Word of God, the Ideas of God. Late in the adult ministry of Jesus he gives this injunction to His disciples: “feed my sheep”. He did not mean make sure those who follow my (i.e sheep) need to be physically fed, but rather tend to His message, his word, His Mission. The emphasis here is on regular, and devoted, attention to the Message as given through Jesus. What exactly is that “Message”, and what is the basis for this interpretation?

The answer is given at the beginning…the declaration of the angel, and the accompanying chorus of heavenly host who praise God and say:

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men” (Luke 2:14). Actually this message is actually a chord, composed of three short phrases, or possibly “notes”.

The first note/vibration conveys the necessity for those who wish to be present to their deepest nature, their most profound inner god Child, to give praise first to the Divine. God first.

The second vibration/note/message is an exhortation to find and maintain “peace”, which I have always taken to mean “inner” peace.

The third phrase has been interpreted and translated into 2 basic variations. The first is: “good will to men”. This can imply a requirement that we do good to our fellow man, even as the Universe/God is sharing Divine Good to humanity. We have our part to play in this Drama…we are not just receivers of this child of Grace. A second common translation has it as “to men of good will”. This more than hints at a requirement that we do good in this world, it demands it.  It tasks us with studying and living divine truths. My read of the Greek has Divine Peace being available to all, but manifesting fully to those who are actively seeking and finding the Good.

In my understanding we find that deeply sought quality of Peace when we are actively interested in spiritual studies AND living those truths in our lives and then helping others with their Journey.

The Gospel of Luke makes no reference to angels saying exactly which spiritual Path to pursue, or what type of Service is needed, only to do the work in whatever “field” you may find yourself.

I love this egalitarian model of spirituality. It does not require one to be a great and exceptional thinker, or even a devoted doer of good deeds. It means that in any area of work and circumstance we may find oneself, there is an opportunity to find (inner) Peace. The commonality comes down to simply listening for the 3 hallmarks as shared by the angel and heavenly hosts two thousand years ago:

• Give praise and thanksgiving to the Divine as the first step, in whatever manner is given to you from a cultural and karmic perspective.
• Find pathways to inner peace.
• Ever seek the Good (and the Just, the Beautiful, the Loving, the True) and find some point of service to humanity, community, etc.

I know that this tripartite message is deeply embedded in each one of us… from the Beginning. The angels, messengers, heavenly hosts are simply present to remind us of its presence, and to support us in opening up that Heavenly Software. Peace. Shalom. Salaam.  Shanti.

Love, John🙏