Miracle Principles 47 – 48:1-9
February 5, 2021
#47: “The miracle is a learning device which lessens the need for time.”
This principle introduces us to the Course’s teaching on time. Time is an illusion, and not part of reality. Time proceeds along a horizontal line where we all seem to be at different places along the line. The miracle is a break in that horizontal movement. It is a vertical shift out of time for a brief instant that returns the giver and receiver to a place further along that horizontal line. You can think of it as a time capsule that allows us to dial forward our arrival along the horizontal plane. The miracle can skip ahead, outside the slow, steady march of time.
The practical benefit is that the miracle “substitutes for learning that might have taken thousands of years” (2:6). The miracle both abolishes and collapses time. It is an “out-of-pattern time interval” (4:5). The power of the miracle is that for a brief moment we acknowledge the “perfect equality and holiness between doer and receiver” (2:7).
#48: The miracle allows us to control time. In this respect, revelation transcends it because it comes from timelessness. The miracle induces a period of timelessness within time.
Jesus acknowledges the human condition: Though we can make an empty shell, we do not make nothing at all. An empty shell means refusing to do anything, paralyzing ourselves. This is perhaps what it would mean to have no dreams, plans or aspirations. Through our behavior, we demonstrate that we are not empty. But what the shell is filled with depends on whether we use it lovelessly or lovingly (in our dreams, plans, aspirations). This does not mean we self-create by behaving miraculously or lovingly (“You were not created by your own free will. Only what you make is yours to decide” (3:6-7).) Miraculous behavior is not the equivalent of creation in Heaven, but it is a reflection of Heaven.
“Equality does not imply homogeneity now” (5:1).
Homogeneity is a condition at the physical and mental level. It does not exist now, which is obvious if you survey human behavior. We are equal in spirit. This is a key idea in resolving level confusion. Jesus earlier told us that “all [his] brothers are special” (41.2:3). He means at the spiritual level, we all carry the specialness that comes from being a child of God, which is remarkable and special. Now he tells us that some have “special talents” or are “special agents.” Special in this sense means different than their brothers. It may sound like this specialness contradicts the idea that all brothers have sameness and equality. But Jesus here says that the specialness is only on the axis of time, not timelessness (6:2).
Now, during this “speed up” special agents are necessary.
“Do not underestimate the power of special agents now, or the great need there is for them. I do not claim to be more than that myself.”
Question for reflection
Have you ever thought of yourself as a special agent? Has the idea of being on a mission or special assignment ever connected with your search for meaning and purpose here?
We are being asked to advocate this idea of special agents, which we can think of as miracle workers or teachers of God, like Jesus was himself. He says of this role: No one could want to be more than that, or less than that.
What does Jesus mean by us not desiring to be more or less than a special agent?
To request more may be to request some unique or eternal status as special beyond the now. Whereas the desire to be less than a special agent may be to shrink away from our calling. This is suggested by the final line of that paragraph:
“Those who are called on to witness for me now are witnessing for all men, as I am.”
Jesus has an interesting depiction of fantasy. It is a “debased form of vision” where we try to twist perception. We may think it harmless daydreaming about having certain conditions met for happiness. But ultimately it leads toward a misuse or objectification of our brother.
Notice how the popular phrase, “Iive and let live” is reinterpreted. In Jesus’ usage it becomes a way to say something like: do not box people into your sexual fantasy because you are imposing on them a role they would not accept themselves. It seems that when we do this, we are distorting superconscious impulses (“Visions and revelations are closely related” (7:3).) Revelations, we were previously told (28.3) are often misidentified as sexual impulses.
“Twist reality in any way and you perceive destructively. Reality was lost through usurpation, which in turn produced tyranny. Now you must choose freely to devote your heritage to the greater restoration. As long as a single slave remains to walk the earth, your release is not complete. Complete restoration of the Sonship is the only true goal of the miracle-minded” (7:6-10).
What does Jesus mean that reality was lost through usurpation? Does he mean a specific event?
Whose tyranny was imposed?
What call to action is Jesus suggesting? How does this relate to “witnessing for all men”?
Practice Suggestion
Today I am called to witness for all my brothers. I accept my role in the great restoration of the Sonship.