Now Our Minds Are One

The six nations of the Haudenosaunee developed what they called the Ohen:ton Karihwatehkwen (it has also come to be called the “Thanksgiving Address” and is known as the “words before all else”) which has been used for generations to open and close ceremonies, begin and end each day, etc. It is a series of acknowledgements of the earth, the sun, the moon, rivers, plants, animals, etc. that recognizes and gives thanks for each. Between each of the acknowledgements, the words “Now our minds are one,” is said. *

Now our minds are one.

I find that such a powerful statement and feel deep resonance with that spirit in today’s readings.

Paul is writing to the church at Philippi (mind you, he’s writing from prison!) to try to encourage them during some difficult times. And he says, “Look if there’s anything encouraging in the spiritual life, it’s when people are ‘being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing (Phil 2).’” 

Being of the same mind. United in heart.

Recently my work staff had a training session with a consultant group. We’ve been reading a book called The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni.

Our work session was focused on the “5th” dysfunction related to a “Focus on Results.” In this meeting we were focused on how organizations can lose sight of the “collective good” of the organization and teams or individuals begin to pursue what is good for themselves (or what works for them) and lose sight of the bigger picture.

For me that’s what Paul is talking about today – not losing sight of the bigger picture and the collective good. We don’t regard our agenda or perspective over the common good. 

The question arises, however, “Who is included in our vision of the common good?”

Jesus brings this point home in his words from Luke 14. He’s talking about people throwing parties and having social events and is saying that so many people invite guests who might be able to repay “the favor” somehow. Instead, he says, we should be inviting “the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you.”

I know that the radical vision of inclusive community that Jesus named as the kin-dom of God can feel quite far away and impossible – given the world we live in and given our current political climate. But in the circles that we move in and the places that we have influence, we can continue to show up in ways that seek to embody a unity of mind and heart related to the common good.

We can keep asking questions like, “Who will benefit from this decision?” or “Whose experience is not being considered?” as we consider organizational or political decisions.

We can keep asking questions like, “What will this decision do to the land, the water, the animals, the insects and the plants?” related to our non-human kin who are affected by all our decisions.

We can strive to develop a daily practice of centering prayer or meditation that asks, “Am I aligned within myself?” so that we might move through the world in a more peaceful and centered way.

We can continue to pray/study/work towards our own opening and growth asking God, “Help my vision of the common good to keep expanding.”

We can read/listen to/follow the vision of some of the most marginalized people or groups who are continuously articulating what “inclusive community and a culture of belonging” looks and feels like because they have had to create that kind of community for their own survival.

And the list goes on!

A few chapters after the reading we hear today, Paul, exhorts the Philippians to “[fill] your minds and [meditate] on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—[focus on] the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse (Phil 4:8-9).”

The worst and the ugly gets a lot of press in our world, but it is not the only reality. The best, the beautiful and things to praise exist as well. As we strive to grow a unity of mind and heart, may we try to amplify and expand the good and the beautiful, doing our part and trusting that “God, who makes everything work together, will work you into [the] most excellent harmonies (Phil 4:9).”

And please be sure to VOTE (if you have not already) on Tuesday. And may we pick candidates who articulate and embody a vision for the common good that helps us make the common good a radical reality in our midst!

*Many versions of the Thanksgiving address exist, and you can purchase a booklet copy of it through the gift shop at Ganondagan in Victor, NY, among other online retailers.