Journal of Sacred Work

"Jesus says…God is inside you. Whoever knows [oneself] will find this."  The Gospel of Thomas

   One of the great mysteries of the Bible that many of us grew up with is not what is there, but what is not. In the 4th century, the Council of Nicea made decisions, some of which seem quite arbitrary, about which gospels and books and letters to include in the Bible and which to expel. The Gospel of Thomas, like the Gospel of Judas, was one of the many books of wisdom that was, unfortunately, left out. As a result, it’s insights from the lips of Jesus have not been read by many.
   Modern insight restores to us the gifts that these gospels and books bring.  The Gospel of Thomas is filled with wisdom. The Gospel of Judas, brought to light recently by the unlikely but reliable National Geographic Magazine, brings us truths. Judas, for example, was only a betrayer because of Jesus’ instructions.
   Listen to the echo of truth in the Gospel of Thomas. Do you find yourself, as a caregiver, looking up to pray to God? Do you think of God as outside of you instead of within?
   Surprise! God lives within as well as without. You and I are homes to the divine. All that Love asks is that we let her flow through us and into the lives of others – especially those in need.
   Celebrate the Love that abides in you and travels through you (if your ego doesn’t get in the way.) Celebrate your gifts of healing as you reach to free another from pain with your loving touch. Behold the God that lives within. Know yourself and you will know that this is true.
   How do these words come to you? Do they sound true? How does love travel through you to others?

-Erie Chapman