In a recent conversation with a group of companions, our discussion drifted from everyday life experiences towards spiritual matters. Each person shared their unique perspectives, some eloquent, some descriptive, and some delving into the mysteries of the divine. One companion, who had been silent until then, expressed a belief that their spirituality was too simple to compare with ours. This statement was surprisingly unsettling. How could we possibly compare our spiritualities? It made me think deeply about the nature of comparison itself.
I own several gold rings, each holding distinct meaning. One is my father’s wedding ring, a symbol of my commitment as a Companion in Mercy. Another, a cameo ring, was my father’s first gift to my mother. I’ve always cherished it. There’s also a signet ring belonging to an elderly neighbor who was like a grandfather to me. It’s an antique with a barely visible “W”. Each ring is unique in shape and size, yet each holds special significance due to its personal connection and the giver.
How could I compare one piece of gold to another, their designs, or their individual meanings? The common thread linking these gold rings is the love interwoven with memories. They are incomparable because love itself is incomparable; it can only be experienced and shared. Yet, there’s a distinct difference in each, a wonder, significance, and a collection of memories unique to each piece.
Spirituality is similar. It defies comparison because it represents a personal relationship with God, cultivated through a unique journey of faith. It’s ever-changing, evolving, and dancing around our personalities, constantly inviting us to draw closer to the divine. Just like gold, love cannot be compared. Each spiritual journey is a unique and precious experience, a testament to the individual’s connection with the divine.
