The Cactus Flower and A Gnostic Gospel
Regardless of religious affiliation, most people have at least heard something about the canonical gospels of the New Testament. The Council of Nicaea, in the early fourth century, convened for the purpose of deciding which texts would become standards of the Church. Through a political process very much like we see in our world today, some texts were suppressed, while others were chosen for inclusion. Bishops who disagreed with Constantine’s choices were exiled immediately as punishment for expressing their preferences. As a result, what we have today are the familiar canonical gospels and the rejected Gnostic gospels.
The word “gnostic” comes from the Greek word “gnosis”, which means “inner knowledge”, “direct-knowing” or “self-knowledge”. There apparently are several Gnostic gospels, but the one which I have found the most meaningful is the Gospel of Mary Magdalene. First off, she was never a prostitute. The Roman Catholic Church publicly corrected this misconception over sixty years ago, but for some reason not enough publicity was given to this fact and that myth still persists today. Mary Magdalene was an educated woman who was also one of the apostles of Jesus. If you are interested in learning more about this fascinating woman, there are several well-researched books about her. But that is not the topic of this post.
The Gospel of Mary Magdalene was found in Egypt in 1896, and is now in the care of the Berlin Museum. While parts of it are missing, it is still a profound document which has a power to “speak” to the reader about where our priorities should be in our lives. Her writings are accounts of conversations with Jesus and some of the apostles. Here are a few examples:
“What is matter? Will it last forever? The Teacher answered: ‘All that is composed shall be decomposed; everything returns to the origins of matter. Those who have ears, let them hear.’ “
‘Peter said to them ‘ Since you have become the interpreter of the elements and the events of the world, tell us: What is the sin of the world?’ The Teacher answered: ‘There is no sin. It is you who make sin exist, when you act according to the habits of your corrupted nature; this is where sin lies…This is why you become sick, and why you die: it is the result of your actions; what you do takes you further away. Those who have ears, let them hear.’ ”
“Attachment to matter gives rise to passion against nature. Thus trouble arises in the whole body; this is why I tell you: ‘Be in harmony’… If you are out of balance, take inspiration from manifestations of your true nature. Those that have ears, let them hear.”
“Impose no law other than that which I have witnessed. Do not add more laws to those given in the Torah, lest you become bound by them.”
These wonderful texts within the billions of written words are like a rare cactus flower in the desert: true beauty flourishing in its own harsh environment. Isn’t this what God’s message to us should be? Why do so many of us choose to center our lives on the desert rather than the flower?
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About Dr. Virginia
As a licensed Psychologist practicing Cognitive therapy, I work with my clients to help them identify the personal issues that are preventing them from achieving a more satisfying and well-adjusted life.
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