Didn't I Say?

Didn't I say, "Don't go there; I am
   your friend.
In this mirage of existence, I am the
   fountain of life."
Even if your anger takes you
a hundred thousand years away,
in the end you will return, for I am
   your goal.
Didn't I say, "Don't be content with
   earthly forms;
I am the designer of the intimate
   chamber of your contentment."
Didn't I say, "I am the sea, and you are a
   single fish;
don't strand yourself on dry land; I am
   your clear sea."
Didn't I say, "Don't get caught
in the trap like a helpless bird;
I am the power of flight -- your feet and
   your wings."
Didn't I say, "They will waylay you and
   make you cold;
I am the fire and your warm desire."
Didn't I say, "They will implant their
   qualities in you
until you forget that the best qualities
   are here."
Didn't I say, "You do not know from
   what direction
your affairs are put in order."
I am the Creator beyond directions.
If light is in your heart, find your
   way home.
If you are of God, know your
   Benefactor.
                  -Rumi (trans. Helminski)

Hope for September 11th

I was singing some hymns this morning and I opened the page to one called "Hope of Abraham and Sarah" in the hymnal More Voices (it's number 148). I sang it and remembered that today is September 11th, and it seemed that today of all days, this is the song that everyone should be singing. The text (below) is written by Ruth Duck, and the music is by Judith Snowdon, who studied composition at the Canadian Mennonite University (where I happen to be studying right now). So it's been a morning with some interesting coincidences. Or perhaps some (subtle) signs.

Hope of Abraham and Sarah 

Hope of Abraham and Sarah, friend of Hagar, God of Ruth, 
you desire that every people worship you in spirit, truth.
Meet us in our sacred places, mosque and synagogue and church.
Show us paths of understanding; bless us in our common search.

Root us in our own tradition, faith our forebears handed down.
Grow us in your grace and knowledge, plant our feet on solid ground.
Cultivate the seeds of sharing in this world of many creeds.
Keep us open, wise in learning, bearing fruit in loving deeds.

Hope of Abraham and Sarah, sovereign God whom we adore,
form in us your new creation, free of violence, hate and war.
So may Torah, cross and crescent, each a sign of life made new
point us toward your love and justice, earth at peace and one in you.

Amen.