My favorite part was when he brought up the question about if God created the sun and moon on the fourth day, then what was the light He created on the first day? Then Rabbi Flip told a story about the angels hiding this "divine light" because it was too powerful for human beings to handle. Jews believe that the angels hid this light within every person and that the main goal in their religion is to find this light in yourself and others and to help it grow. I just thought that was so awesome, such a hopeful thought.
He then talked about the story in the Genesis when "a man" helps Joseph find his brothers. This brought up the topic about angels living on earth which I completely agree with. Maybe it's a friend, a family member, or even a complete stranger, but I believe we all encounter angels in our lives to help us get through the tougher times. As it says in Luke 4:10-11 [and in Psalm 91:11-12. Microintertextuality!] "He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone".
Rabbi Flip wrapped up the lesson with a wonderful statement saying, the first step to faith is to believe everything will be fine when you have absolutely no proof that it will be. "And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them." Isaiah 42:16
Good reflections--I'm glad that you enjoyed Rabbi Flip's visit. I too like the story about the light within all of us. If we truly believed that we all have a divine light, how might that change the way we respond to ourselves and each other?
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you on Rabbi Flip. I really liked how he just flat out stated his views rather then going in circles on his beliefs. By doing that I was really able to follow him and understand him and his views. It seemed really clear.
ReplyDeleteI also really liked when he brought up the question of the light on the first and fourth day. I have never really studied into the bible that much and that is a really good question. But he also had a really good answer for that too about the light on the first day not being literal light, but a soul in every person. And I also really liked the Jews opinion of this light in every person and how they are supposed to help every person's light grow. That just was something new that I learned and thought was really cool.
I think that this light could change the way that we respond to ourselves and others in that we could be more considerate and even helpful so that both ourselves and other could grow...if that makes any sense.
I loved the story about hiding the light in humans as well. Its sort of sad though, wasn't the last line about how humans will never think to look inside one another? That's a great message though. Humanity as a whole needs to simply be kinder, more generous, and more sincere to others. Through that, we can find goodness in everyone, in Christians and non-Christians a like.
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