Chapter 1 V. Wholeness and Spirit
In this passage, A Course in Miracles explores the concepts of wholeness, spirit, and the role of miracles as tools on our spiritual path. Miracles are compared to the body – they serve a purpose, but both become unnecessary when we reach a state of direct communication with spirit.
Miracles as Learning Tools
The first paragraph explains how the miracle, like the body, is a learning tool. While we believe we exist in a body, we need these aids to guide us towards spiritual understanding. Miracles channel our creative potential, even when we feel blocked or limited. Importantly, no matter how stuck we may feel, our potential as creative, spiritual beings can never be destroyed.
It’s a powerful reminder that we didn’t create ourselves—our spirit is part of something far greater, and although our physical form or mind may sometimes restrict us, our true nature remains untouched.
The Relationship Between Time and Miracles
In the second paragraph, we’re told that time can be wasted, and that those who are miracle-minded should not delay any longer than necessary. Every miracle helps collapse time, bringing us closer to the ultimate goal of spiritual release. This builds on earlier lessons about how miracles speed up our return to God.
Time often feels like a significant part of our lives, but this text reminds us that it’s merely a tool—a means to help us along our path, rather than something to be ruled by. Miracles allow us to transcend time, enabling us to remember our eternal nature beyond the limitations of physical existence.
Equality in the Atonement
The Atonement—a central concept in A Course in Miracles—is the process of undoing errors and restoring our awareness of who we truly are. The text mentions that in the Atonement, all talents will be shared. God does not favour one person over another, and His gifts are freely available to all.
This ties into the idea that our specialness isn’t about exclusion but inclusion. We are all special, but not in a way that sets us apart from each other. True power comes from recognising our complete dependence on God. It’s a beautiful reminder of how interconnected we are, and how important it is to perceive wholeness in both ourselves and others.
The Miracle as a Call to Return
Paragraph four describes the miracle as a call to return—it blesses and honours everyone, even those who seem distant in spirit. This is comforting because it implies that no one is truly lost. Even when we feel disconnected or far from our spiritual selves, we are still being called back through the love and grace of miracles. The statement that God cannot be mocked reassures us that our holiness is never truly lost, regardless of how much we may struggle or feel unworthy.
The Eternal Truth of Spirit
The fifth paragraph speaks about the eternal nature of truth. Spirit is unchangeable and perfect, while the mind can choose whether to serve the ego or surrender to follow spirit. The text reminds us that the mind can only serve one master, and if it follows the ego, it imprisons itself under false control in time. True freedom comes from choosing the right authority—when we align our minds with truth, we open ourselves to the creative potential of spirit.
Choosing to Follow Spirit
The final paragraph emphasises the significance of choosing to follow Christ’s guidance. Miracles are signs that we’ve chosen to follow Him, leading us towards a state of abundance. The idea of uprooting shallow roots refers to letting go of superficial or ego-based beliefs. Although this process may feel unsettling at first, true stability can only be found when we surrender to align ourselves with spirit and love. The temporary instability that arises when we let go of false beliefs is a necessary part of the journey.
Finding Wholeness by Letting Go
This passage makes me reflect on the ways I resist letting go of old fears or doubts. I’ve found that whenever I hold on to thoughts that no longer serve me—whether it’s guilt, fear, or doubts—I feel trapped in a kind of darkness. But when I’m able to bring these thoughts into the light and give them to Jesus, I experience such relief. It feels like a weight has been lifted.
I’ve noticed that miracles occur when I let go of fear and trust in spirit. Even when I feel stuck, there’s always a sense that something greater is guiding me back to peace. This section reminds me that wholeness is our natural state, and it’s the false beliefs we hold onto that keep us from experiencing it.
Wholeness and spirit are about recognising that we are already complete, but false perceptions—like guilt and fear—block us from fully realising it. Miracles help collapse time, bringing us closer to spirit and the truth of who we are. Choosing to be led by Christ or the holy spirit allows us to align with our true purpose, and although the process can feel destabilising at times, it ultimately leads us back to peace and wholeness.
Kelly
Bibliography
A Course in Miracles.
Foundation for Inner Peace.
A Course in Miracles: Combined Volume, 3rd Edition. Foundation for Inner Peace, 2007.
URL: https://acim.org.
