Happy Holy Heated July! This summer has already proven to be a scorcher and many of us here in south Florida are in constant search of ways to cool off during work and play. Like life itself and like the spiritual path specifically, the heat is a reminder that we are each a work in progress and that our experiences of discomfort are opportunities for potential growth, progress, and refinement. There is a line in the Jewish scriptures that reads: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." (Malachi 3:3) And there's an old often-told story of women in a bible study group who went in search of a meaning for this verse. They called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work.

He explained that in refining silver, one needs to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames are hottest in order to burn away all the impurities. The women asked if he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left just a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The women then asked the silversmith, ' How do you know when the silver is fully refined?' He answered, "when it is fully refined, I can see my image in its reflection"

And so it is on the spiritual path, as we walk through transformational fires and search for the face of The Divine, The Beloved, the reflection of our own true Self. We surrender then, and we reach out our hands in praise and prayer, for the purification process of refinement that will ultimately cool the flames and bring peace to our hearts. Our Sacred Journey Interfaith Seminarians just found out what they could endure as their true sacred selves! They have completed their first year of seminary, and have been initiated as ministers in training. Their second year starts in September. Registration is now open to new students, who begin their two year course of study in January, 2018. Please go to http://www.sacredjourneyinterfaithseminary.org for registration and application information.

Please check our calendar for all classes and events. WE look forward to being blessed by your presence, in love and in peace. Namaste, and Blessed Be!