Persistent Light

During a recent contemplative reading session, I once again encountered wise words from Duke University’s Omid Safi¹, whose work at The On Being Project had previously provided a springboard for deeper understanding of the nexus of the spiritual, the political and the practical.

The quote below resonated with me as I sat and pondered the many applications of our ultimate connectedness. From that consideration arose a poem. I hope something here resonates with you; and I hope you’ll join the conversation and share your thoughts.

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… At the heart of the Jewish faith, that beautiful noble tradition: Be kind to the stranger for you yourselves were once strangers in Egypt (Deuteronomy 10:19). Our beloved Christ: Be kind to the poor, the orphan, the needy, the widow; that which you do to the least of these, you do unto me (Matthew 25:40). Our beloved Prophet Muhammad: That the cry of the orphan rises all the way up to the throne of God and shakes it to its mighty foundation. [3] These folks are drinking from the same fountain. They’re bathed in the same light.

~ Omid Safi, poet and Islamic scholar

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You and I

persistently identify

with differences,

ardently deny

shared references,

self-righteously decry

the other’s skepticism.

Yet despite our stubbornness

we're perpetually

bathed in the same light—

patiently, continually

warming and illuminating

each of us, daring us

to finally get it right

and realize

we all drink

from the same fount.

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Listen to me read Persistent Light here ☝🏼

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If reading this makes you feel something, or feel connected, please comment, like (❤️) or restack (♻️) to let me know I’m hitting the mark and enable new readers to find me.

1. In addition to his work at Duke University, where he’s been nominated 10-times for professor of the year, Omid Sufi is the founder and main instructor of Illuminated Courses which are designed to enrich students spiritually, aesthetically, and intellectually. He can also be found on Instagram: @brotheromid

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