I consider both Rumi, creator of the Whirling Dervish Ceremony I witnessed, and Mother Mary to be unique bridge-builders between Christians and Muslims.

The word “Lent” has various meanings. According to the Collins Dictionary, the Ango-Saxon root of “Lencten” means Spring in Latin and the lengthening of the hours of daylight. It also signifies 40 days. In many faith traditions, the number 40 symbolizes key events. For example, both Moses and Jesus waited 40 days and nights before receiving God’s guidance.

The Cuban missile crisis was exactly 60 years ago and brought us to the brink of a nuclear war with the former Soviet Union. Thankfully, President Kennedy found helpful back channels to communicate with Nikita Krushchev, and he backed down. We are facing a similar crisis this October. President Biden recently said at a fundraiser: “I don’t think there’s any such thing as the ability to easily (use) a tactical nuclear weapon and not end up with Armageddon.”

This Labor Day Weekend, I’m committing to enjoying a “Sabbath” on a weekly basis throughout the year.

Mother’s Day celebrates the gifts of biological mothers, as well as those who nurture us in other ways. We also honor the Divine Feminine within who encourages and comforts us. 

In Sacred Scriptures, the number “40” celebrated a season of preparing for a new transition. It was a time period to signify transformation.