The Ebenezer Stone

Kynara54leddon (1-5-08)

Of all of the gifts man has been given, it has been said by some that "memory" is the most powerful of all. From the quipu of the Meso-Americans to the "Ars memorae" of classical antiquity, methods to utilize this divine attribute has been sought and codified.

To the ancient Hebrews, the "art of memory" took a different form. Usually transliterated as the proper name "Ebenezer" , their "Stone of Memory" (or "Even Haazer") was both monument and memorial. To them, the raising of such a stone represented not only a reminder of things that must be remembered, but it stood as a testament to the Holy Presence of the Divine, and it's covenenat with Man. As it is recorded in the Bible:

' "Samuel took a large stone and placed it between the towns of Mizpah and Jeshanah. He named it Ebenezer—"the stone of help"—for he said, "Up to this point the Lord has helped us!" —1 Samuel 7:12, NLT '

In the world today, the path of the Seeker is fraught with many unexpected trials. The way *is* perilous, but it is a path which also affords many opportunities for reflection and self-examination; both leading to the ultimate integration of memories (both good and bad).

This year, as your Journey on your way, I hope you will stop now and again to raise an Ebenezer to mark your own particular Journey to the Light. While it is true that you may not pass that particular milestone again; for those who linger in the enduring dusk behind you, this "stone of memory" may well stand as a lamppost and beacon for the next generation of Seekers who may well follow the trail you have blazed.

Shalom CLL