OrEd-T-19.5-Obstacles to Peace-d.2.1
The Lifting of the Veil.1
97. We remember that we came this far together. The Guide Who brought us here remains with us, and when we raise our eyes, we will be ready to look on terror with no fear at all. But first, we will lift our eyes and look upon each other, in innocence born of complete forgiveness of each other's illusions, and through the eyes of faith, that do not see illusions.
98. Unless he has accepted Atonement for himself and learned illusions are not real, no one can look upon the fear of God without terror. No one could have come this far unless his brother walked beside him. No one can stand before this obstacle alone. And no one would dare to look on this obstacle without complete forgiveness of his brother in his heart. We stand here a while and do not tremble. We will be ready. We are led here by the purpose given in the holy instant. Here, in this place, we join together in a holy instant. We join with Jesus, in faith that the Holy Spirit, Who brought us here, will offer us the innocence we need. We will accept our innocence, in the love that Jesus and the Holy Spirit give.
99. This is the place to which everyone must come when he is ready. It is not possible to look on this too soon. Once he has found his brother, he is ready. Yet merely to reach the place is not enough. A journey without a purpose is meaningless, and even when it is over it seems to make no sense. We cannot know the journey is over unless we realize the purpose is accomplished. Here, with the end of the journey before us, we see its purpose. It is here we choose to look upon the journey's purpose, or to wander on, to return, to make the choice again.
100. Some preparation is needed to look upon the fear of God. Only the sane can look on insanity and madness without fear. Insanity seems fearful only if it is shared. Until we look upon each other with perfect faith, love and tenderness, we do share in the madness. We stand unforgiving until forgiveness is complete. And we fear those we do not forgive. Fearing each other, we are afraid of God. And no one reaches love with fear beside him.
101. The brother who stands beside me seems to be a stranger, and my interpretation of him is very fearful. To keep what seems to be myself unharmed, I attack him. I hate his madness because I share it. Yet, in my brother's hands is my salvation. The forgiveness that would heal the madness is overshadowed by fear. We need forgiveness of each other, for we will share in madness, or in Heaven, together. And we will raise our eyes in faith, together, or not at all.
102. Beside me is one offering me the chalice of Atonement. The Holy Spirit is in him. I can hold his sins against him, or accept his gift to me. This giver of salvation is either my friend or my enemy. I will receive from him, according to my choice. He has the power to forgive my sins, as I can forgive his. We cannot give forgiveness to ourselves alone. We stand together in forgiveness of each other. I let him be what he is, and I do not make an enemy of love.
103. My Friend, the Christ, stands beside me. How holy and beautiful He is! To hide His loveliness, I cast the veil of sin upon Him, and thought He had sinned. Yet, He holds forgiveness out to me, to share His holiness. As a Friend, this one time stranger offers me salvation. This is my brother, crucified by sin, and waiting for release from pain. I would offer forgiveness to him, for only he can offer forgiveness to me. For his redemption, he will give me my redemption, as surely as God created every living thing and loves it. And he gives truly, for redemption is offered and received.
