Joy is an attitude we can practice and embody.

I firmly believe that joy is not simply a passive feeling we either possess or do not possess. Rather, it is an attitude we can PRACTICE and EMBODY. I suppose my childhood spiritual training solidified this understanding in my psyche when it recognized the wisdom contained in the biblical passage that counsels us to "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again - rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4).

Photo: Alpine Sunflowers and Medicine Bow Peak, Snowy Range, WY, July 10, 2015

True spiritual authority comes from the radiance of a leader's inner character, not from a special degree, title, or religious costume.

 

The 16th century Contemplative Spirituals understood that the letter of scripture must conform itself to the living scripture of the heart, not the other way around.  "The letter kills, but the Spirit brings life," they declared, echoing St. Paul.  For them, the Inner Light rather than the literal word was of utmost importance. Accordingly, they also understood that true spiritual authority comes from the radiance of a leader's inner character, not from a special degree, title, or religious costume.  

If a person is a true spiritual leader, the Spirituals were convinced, other people will naturally recognize this fact.  External titles, degrees or special religious costumes only serve to confuse the matter.  Unfortunately, our current society tends to look more at the external than the internal. Institutions once again hold sway in our lives.  However, as Thoreau exclaimed: ""As a snowdrift is formed where there is a lull in the wind, so, one would say, where there is a lull of truth, an institution springs up." 

Perhaps it is time once again for a new Counterculture to rise up and rebel against "The Establishment," thereby returning us to the values that really matter - those that originate in a transformed heart and mind.

Photos: (Top) Alpenglow on the Nokhu Crags, Colorado State Forest State Park, CO, November 6, 2014; (Middle) Alpenglow on the Diamond Peaks, Cameron Pass, CO, November 6, 2014; (Bottom) Engelmann Spruce trees and a snowy landscape, Colorado State Forest State Park, CO, November 6, 2014

We behold as in a mirror the Divine radiance

 

"And we, who with unveiled faces all behold as in a mirror the Divine radiance, are being transformed into the same image, from glory to glory."

2 Corinthians 3:18

Photo: Alpine Sunflowers backlit by the setting sun; Trail Ridge, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO; June 30, 2014

Be aglow with the Spirit.

"Be aglow with the Spirit."

Romans 12:11
(Revised Standard Version)

Photo: Thimbleberry leaf  illuminated in late afternoon light, with Lake Odessa just behind and Notchtop Mountain in the background; Rocky Mountain National Park, CO; September 29, 2012

The Fruit of the Spirit

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law."

Galatians 5:22

Photo:  Red Elderberry, Crater Lake and Lone Eagle Peak, Indian Peaks Wilderness, CO; August 25, 2012

Encourage one another, and build each other up.

"Let us make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."

Romans 14:19

"Encourage one another, and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Photo: Black-tipped Senecio and quartzite block, Snowy Range, WY; August 19, 2012.  It's amazing how much these rocks look like marble blocks in an outdoor cathedral.  Hiking in the Snowy Range sometimes feels like walking through a marble palace.

To the pure, all things are pure.

"To the pure, all things are pure."

St. Paul,  Titus 1:15

Photo:  A fly takes refuge in the warmth of a Columbine; Medicine Bow Peak in the background; Snowy Range, WY; June 30, 2012