The Call of Truth

Photo credit: Aaron Springston

Today I had a life-long learning experience reinforced. I realize, intellectually, that a minor irritation is no different than full-blown rage. I’ll go along for months without being “triggered” by the actions of another, then wham! The woman who I expressed irritation towards is the only person I’ve ever yelled at in the street, and that was almost three decades ago. In examining my reactions to her, I see that I have never been honest with myself. Of course, the things which bother me about her are the things which bother me most about me. After our interaction at my house today, I was tempted to ignore the whole situation. But I became physically ill shortly after she left. While reading the text message she sent me regarding our confrontation, I was tempted to defend myself; to tell her all the reasons I was right. So looked up references to “irritation” and “holy relationship” in the ACIM text and I’ve been reminding myself of the purpose of these interactions. “Every special relationship you have made has, as its fundamental purpose, the aim of occupying your mind so completely that you will not hear the call of truth.” (ACIM, T-17.IV.3:3) I’ve always walked away from every relationship which has tried to make me face myself. I believe it’s time to stop that, and so I’m facing myself and asking Holy Spirit to help me see the way through “the undoing of errors”. It’s also the perfect time to review the lessons currently being examined under the heading of “God is but Love, and therefore so am I.” I look forward to shedding yet another layer of erroneous thinking!

“Perhaps it will be helpful to remember that no one can be angry at a fact. It is always an interpretation that gives rise to negative emotions, regardless of their seeming justification by what appears as facts. Regardless, too, of the intensity of the anger that is aroused. It may be merely slight irritation, perhaps too mild to be even clearly recognized. Or it may also take the form of intense rage, accompanied by thoughts of violence, fantasied or apparently acted out. It does not matter. All of these reactions are the same. They obscure the truth, and this can never be a matter of degree. Either truth is apparent, or it is not. It cannot be partially recognized. Who is unaware of truth must look upon illusions.”
A Course in Miracles M-17.4:1-11

“A patient under the influence of mortal mind is healed only by removing the influence on him of this mind, by emptying his thought of the false stimulus and reaction of will-power and filling it with the divine energies of Truth.”
Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 184:32-5