"One Small Step for Man...

One giant step for mankind.” Perhaps you, too, were awestruck by the amazing contribution to the understanding of our universe with the landing of humans on the moon. Growing up we would read and watch efforts to imagine what was in the heavens allowing us to find God. Early T.V. contributed to our imaginations as scientists attempted to produce the wherewithal to accomplish what was considered impossible.

Fast forward to today and all the marvels we have witnessed and continue to observe as humankind endeavors to make sense of who we are and what value and purpose we expound in the eternal quest for knowledge.

So, let’s evaluate our giant steps.

To begin, we know through historic writings that man is determined to destroy, only to rebuild. We have learned throughout history that hate is the one ingredient over which we have no control because we find comfort in hating as it camouflages our desire to dominate.

Religion of any form attempts to control our impulse to find fault with those who differ. However, faith can do many things, but only if we allow its influences to dictate responsible behavior one to the other. Just as there are many different approaches to achieve understanding and observance, so too there are differences in our interpretation, and those who are chosen to lead find different meanings in the same sentences or paragraphs of spiritual writings.

It seems that as we make giant steps toward connection through all the diversity, we still can’t continue that magnificent leap because of prejudices. Time after time we are taught that love is the gift of our Creator, and yet we forget as fast as we remember.

Scripture endeavors to emphasize the need for us to follow the development of our creation so that the harmony of heaven can be duplicated here on earth. Even the most trying of circumstances found in Scripture eventually concludes that only through understanding can we learn to tolerate. The giant step humanity embarks upon can only contribute to our collective needs and responsibilities if we continually take that step further and further.

One of the lesser Prophets, Micah, concludes in a memorable phrase the summation of the needs and wants of all of us: “What is it that God expects of us? To do justly, to love mercy and walk humbly with God.” In this statement, regardless of varying faiths and interpretations, we discover the only truth that can and should bring us together.

To do justly reminds us that we have an obligation as sojourners to attempt to be fair in our dealings with one another, whether in commerce or faith. To love mercy is the cry for compassion and understanding. When one of us is hurt, we all feel the pain. When someone cries out for help, we are there to lift those who fall. To walk humbly with God is to realize that God created each of us and loves each of us regardless of anything we may feel or do. God’s love is unconditional and should set the example for all of us to follow.

Six decades ago, we took that one giant step for man, and now, perhaps it is time for us to take the next step, and then the next step, into the bliss of loving one another — the one giant step for mankind’s desire to be at peace with one another.

As we approach the season of introspection and forgiveness, perhaps we should also remember that the expectations we wish for can only be realized with sincerity of purpose. We also remember, at this time, the men, women, and children who perished in the atrocities of 9/11. The hate-filled anger that produced this tragic event in our history should be a reminder that we have taken many giant steps in our desire for peace, but somehow, we take more steps back and resort to our baser instincts which have disastrous effects.

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur afford us the opportunity to remember to not repeat those things that cause pain. These holidays should and could be the beginning of a new chapter in our lives as we continue to take giant steps forward for survival and fulfillment.

Together, let us usher in a new chapter in our lives. Together, let us marvel at our endurance. Together, let us pray for the acceptance of what the Prophet Micah instructed us: “To do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.”