You may know that science tells us matter tends to come in two forms: particles and waves. A particle of matter has specific (particular) identity and tends to be surrounded by empty space. A wave form flows together, like a wave of water, as a whole without a sense that it consists of discreet particles. Light is an exception in that it exists as a particle, but also exists in wave form. Light is "both-and."

            Clearly, we are individuals. As human beings, we have our own identity, our own capacity for choice, and our own responsibility for deciding who we are and what we do. You and I are unique and particular beings, and our faith tells us that we are individually and uniquely loved by God. We are named by God and our true identity is known only to ourselves and to God.

            We are individuals, yet part of a whole. The Bible tells us that God is "one." Therefore, all of life is one in God. In a sense, life exists in a wave form: a wholeness that cannot be fully particularized. We are one with God and one with each other. Whatever happens to any dimension of the whole affects the whole. The natural extension of this idea is that when any one of us suffers, we all suffer as a result. We succeed as a whole and none of us can be whole if any one of us is left out or left behind.

            If we assume this to be true, and I think it is, than we all have a stake in the common good. Whatever we own or control is ours in trust for the good of all people and all Creation. Imagine what this belief, put into practice, will do to address the problems of division, poverty, illness, racism, and inequity in our world today. To the extent each of us puts oneness into practice, and to the extent all our people, all our nations, and our churches begin to practice oneness, God will transform the world, through us, into the Kingdom of God-a place of justice, compassion, love, and peace. If the 300 or so of you who are reading this now will commit to practicing oneness, we can begin to change the world.

Thanks for continuing to bless me as we journey together.
  
Jack Price

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