Tag Archives: religion

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Strangers and Sojourners


Photo by Barbara Mattio

For my house shall be called
A house of prayer for all peoples.
—-Isiah 56:7

The builders of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem followed the instructions of the prophets and their vision. It was designed to be a house of worship for strangers and those journeying through Israel.

The Temple was constructed with an inner area where only Jews were admitted to worship. Within this area, was the Holy of Holies. The High Priest was the only one allowed here in the presence of G-d.The High Priest only entered on Yom Kippur, the day of atonement. There was another important area in the Temple. It was “The Court of the Gentiles.” History shows us that there were often Gentiles worshiping with Jews in the Temple in Jerusalem.
The Jews considered the Gentiles, G-d fearers. The combined worship of Jews and non-Jews was the hope of a world where all peoples and nations would worship together. This hope would join all peoples in praise of the One who created them.

Outside of Paris, France is a structure called the “Universale” and it is also a building designed for all peoples regardless of race, religion or gender to come inside and worship the One God. It is in Surrennes and all are welcome to come and pray and worship together. I feel that the gathering of peoples of different races and religions to share the experience of being in the presence of Divinity is freeing. To experience the One together is healing and makes the presence of G-d, the Beloved, the One a reality in the life of each of us. I love the concept of the energy of all the prayers of all the strangers and sojourners wafting up to Divinity. What an amazing experience.

Photo by Barbara Mattio

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Spiritual Unity


Throughout history, there have been many different religions. Religions have destroyed many lives. The reason is that they focus on the differences between religions. “My religion is the only correct one so everyone’s else’s beliefs are wrong.” “If you are different you are wrong and God doesn’t love you.” This disharmony causes much suffering and even the wars we have gone through. Everywhere in the world unity is lacking.  There is now a new spirit afoot to “rise above the differences which divide us”.

All of the scriptures given to the Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Jews and Christians have unity as the common thread throughout their sacred writings and beliefs. Mankind has forgotten the inner meaning, the inner voice that can be found in these writings. All scriptures contain words spoken from the same Source. The reason scriptures are given is to promote the unity of the spirit.

Billions of people believe in Divinity but very few actually make God a reality in their lives. Part of the problem is that God is infinite and as humans we tend to attempt to make God understandable. In doing so, we make God finite. We then miss the full experience of the God of the Universe. Humans can only perceive so much and then they let the rest slide by. As human beings having a spiritual experience we need to rise above our imaginations, what we are used to and what we can not reach. Our finite minds can’t easily perceive the hidden secrets of God. The unity of God is a hidden secret.

What a blessing to humanity to experience nations, races, and religions coming together in unity and love for the Divine.

Photograph by Barbara Mattio

Photography by Barbara Mattio