One With the Force

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Sunday Sermon December 12, 2010 One with the Force

As I was sitting here trying to decide what to write I came across a quote on the back of one of those day by day calendars. Carl Sagan said ”If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe” That hit me and made me smile a bit. Here at the temple we learn that we are all a part of the force. We draw from it and upon our passing we return back to it. When reading this quote I thought how true this really is and how vivid the analogy is.

When you think about life and death many people express fear in dying. Fear of the new and unknown. What is there to fear except that which you do not embrace to be part of the cycle of life and knowledge? To me, knowing what I do about the way or the force and the quote above leads me to believe that a fear of death is nothing more than our selfish desires to keep what we have and what we believe is ours. I then took a look around me and started to think about what I have that is truly mine? What would I miss if it was taken from me? I have decided that that which is most important can never be taken away. My knowledge, my feelings, and my family are the things that truly matter in life.

I thought of this now in this season that is overwhelmed with frantic parents trying to find the perfect gift for a child. Angry shoppers fighting to get the precious discount on this year’s “must have” items pushing each other around. Why do we feel that the only was to make someone happy is to give them some material object that will be forgotten, in most cases, within a year when the crazy holiday season comes again with new “must have” items?

This Holiday season I would urge all of you, reguardless of your cultural beliefs, to try to find a deeper meaning in the season this year. Try to reflect on what each person means to you and tell them about it. This will in many ways be more valuable than anything you could buy. Try adding a hand made card to whatever gift you may give. If you do not celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah or other holidays at this time of year then just try a “here’s thinking about you day”

We all come from the force, Guided by the Force, and will return to the force. We are all connected in some way. We are made from the past and will be part of the future. We are all in a way just like the apple pies at the beginning not one of us came from nothing and I am proud to be part of this great community. Love each other, think not of yourselves, and realize how marvelous things can be.

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  2. #4108
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Many great points in your sermon. First the point you made on the fear of dying due to the fear of unknown. That is the reason I have fears of others deaths (no mine but family and loved ones).<br /><br />Then the point of how this time of year...

Many great points in your sermon. First the point you made on the fear of dying due to the fear of unknown. That is the reason I have fears of others deaths (no mine but family and loved ones).<br /><br />Then the point of how this time of year has been turned around from what it is really about. It is truely about love, not what we can give and get with possesions. We can show love by giving gifts, but expressing our love in other ways should be the most important.

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  2. #4109
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According to most pagan traditions, this time of year draws us closer together as a tribe. We connect with loved ones and draw on our mutual strength and resources to survive the harsh winter. Although this is less of a problem than it used to be...

According to most pagan traditions, this time of year draws us closer together as a tribe. We connect with loved ones and draw on our mutual strength and resources to survive the harsh winter. Although this is less of a problem than it used to be (thanks to things like supermarkets, central heating, etc), it's still good to be reminded of what counts - each other!<br /><br />A great reminder to let go of that which is no longer relevant while realising what we have. Thank you, Br.Damion!<br /><br />MTFBWY

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  2. #4110
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Master Canon, <br /><br />Please see this article.<br /><br />http://www.loudountimes.com/index.php/news/article/loudouners_take_a_stand_with_courthouse_displays456/<;br /><br />I apologize if this brings negative attention to the Temple of the...

Master Canon, <br /><br />Please see this article.<br /><br />http://www.loudountimes.com/index.php/news/article/loudouners_take_a_stand_with_courthouse_displays456/<;br /><br />I apologize if this brings negative attention to the Temple of the Jedi Order, but I felt compelled to act in accordance with the ideas expressed by Jedi, to uphold justice and promote peaceful coexistence (through the separation of church and state).<br /><br />Supporting the American troops by offering the common Jedi expression, "May the force be with you... " felt like an homage, and it is intended solely in good will.<br /><br />As you state, "This Holiday season I would urge all of you, reg[u]ardless of your cultural beliefs, to try to find a deeper meaning in the season this year." <br /><br />Master, I have tried to live up to that message with my courthouse display.<br /><br />Contact me for any recourse you feel is prudent.<br /><br />ES

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  2. #4111
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I have read what was written, a lot of which seemed rather childish. Unfortunately the Jedi comments contributed to this childishness, something which only strengthens that public opinion which sees us as nut cases. Fortunately there was no...

I have read what was written, a lot of which seemed rather childish. Unfortunately the Jedi comments contributed to this childishness, something which only strengthens that public opinion which sees us as nut cases. Fortunately there was no reference made to TOTJO as such, and we do not have ownership over the term Jediism. I would therefore as you not to make any comments on behalf of this Temple without first consulting the Council.

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