Miracle Principles 20-23
January 12, 2021
Principle 21
The Principles of Miracles include statements about how healing works. The Course’s teaching on effective healing is a topic that will develop throughout the entire canon. In Principle 16 we learned that one person extends healing and strength to another. Principle 21 emphasizes that the body is not the focus of healing, even when there is a physical symptom. This does not mean that physical healing is not accomplished. In fact, quite the opposite, any ill health is perceived as symptomatic of a spiritual ailment.
There is a reference to the healer’s “abilities” in this principle. These abilities can be developed and given over to the Holy Spirit. With prayer is directed toward the spiritual level, we can take care of both physical needs and spiritual needs. We can also recognize “physical danger.” This is how the body gets healed even when the healer’s focus is on only the spiritual level.
This principle includes a reference to level confusion – the often-confusing Course concept. “Only the appropriate means [spiritual/communion or physical/bread] can work for the different kinds of ends you must accomplish…” Jesus tells us we have a built-in check or sensor that lets us evaluate the appropriate level (physical or spiritual need and physical or spiritual means to meet that need). If you are hungry, you eat bread. If you are depressed, you seek God. Deep down, we know this difference. But that does not mean it is easily comprehended, we are likely to be confused. It does not follow, for example, that if I am lonely, I “find” a relationship; or if I am sick, I find a pill or surgeon that will take that away. In those examples, loneliness or sickness are representative of a deeper spiritual problem, and the physical means will not correct them, even if they are part of the solution. Recognizing that the spirit is the altar to truth offers solutions at all levels. It is a ‘best of both worlds’ solution.
Principle 22
We are told something important about our relationship with God in this principle: He has forgiven us. Try to accept that idea that the Creator of the universe completely forgives you and sees you without blemish.
This principle teaches that extending love is the same as offering forgiveness. We affirm that we have accepted God’s forgiveness by offering forgiveness to our brother. Love, forgiveness, light and joy – they are all one. When we accept and express them, we increase them through extension, thus dispelling their opposite. “Light, by definition, dispels darkness automatically” (2:2).
We try to hide our darkness. We are fearful of miracles because their presence means our darkness will be found. Jesus considers it strange that most people believe we cannot see in the dark, that we are dependent on the physical eye for sight. We all have a spiritual eye, though it is undeveloped in most of us.
Jesus tells us that darkness cannot hide, God’s seeing eye will expose all darkness and it will vanish. We should rejoice at this, as “there is nothing you want to hide, even if you could.”
I found the following poem recently by a poet, Kent Nerburn. I will share a portion of it here:
It is not given to us to know who is lost in the darkness that surrounds us
or even if our light is seen.
We can only know that against even the smallest of lights, darkness cannot stand.
A sailor lost at sea can be guided home by a single candle.
A person lost in a wood can be led to safety by a flickering flame.
It is not an issue of quality or intensity or purity.
It is simply an issue of the presence of light.
The presence of light is enough to dispel the darkness. This is how Course non-duality works. The two – light and dark – are not merged into one. One dispels the other, proving the unreality of its opposite. “Darkness cannot hide” (4:2).
The principle closes with a real motivator: when we recognize even the slightest effort toward exposing our darkness, we can avail ourselves of Jesus’ efforts, which are limitless.
Questions for Reflection
Have you considered the idea of developing your spiritual eye as part of your journey with the Course? What does idea mean to you? What do you think would change in your life if you cultivated that way of seeing?
How does that feel to have Jesus working alongside you, (availing himself) and reinforcing your little efforts toward achieving peace? He says that he will help us as much as we will let him.
Principle 23
If we had any doubts about whether “miracles” as the Course defines them are similar to Jesus’ reported miracles in the bible, then this principle answers that. “[Miracles] can heal the sick and raise the dead…”
This principle recognizes us as God’s creation. What God creates is in His “image and likeness” and so it “surpasses excellence or merit.” This means that we are an expression of limitless love, we are miracles. And we, like our Creator, have the ability to create like Him. And our creations are just like His: eternal, changeless, formless.
We were created above the angels, who are also a creation of God but of a different order. We are told something interesting about angels here: there role is protection, whereas ours is to also create like our Creator. It seems angels are similar to the Holy Spirit (Who has not been introduced into the Text at this point). Consider this: Though the Holy Spirit is described as an eternal, formless, changeless being, He remains closely identified with His function as Call to God. That function is to protect and guide.
As you consider T-1.23.2:9-10, consider the Letter to the Hebrews 1:14: “Are not the angels spirits in the divine service, sent to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation.”
The distinction between angel and God’s Son are quite similar in both the bible and Course passage.
Practice Recommendation:
I am a miracle. God creates only that which is surpassing excellence or merit, and this I am.