Morning and Evening Review: W-99 and W-100
1. W-99 “Salvation is my only function here.”
²My function here is to forgive the world for all the errors I have made.I
³For thus I am released from them along with all the world.
2. W-100 “My part is essential to God’s plan for salvation.”
²I am essential to God’s plan for the salvation of the world, for He gave me His plan that I might save the world.
3. On the hour:
²“Salvation is my only function here.”
4. On the half hour:
²“My part is essential to God’s plan for salvation.” II
I My only function here is salvation, and that, in concrete terms, means forgiving the world for the mistakes I believe I have made. Through that forgiveness, I am freed along with the world.
This principle leads us to review the mechanism of projection. As the Course teaches: to perceive is to project. Everything we perceive is, in truth, a projection of our own state of mind. Although it may sound drastic to say it this way, we can express it more simply: we perceive the world as we perceive ourselves. The image we hold of ourselves determines the color with which we see everything.
Thus, when we are at peace and open to love, the world appears to us as a kind place. But if we are irritated, sad, or resentful, we project that state and see a world that is hostile, confusing, or threatening. The world then becomes the stage on which we see our state of mind reflected.
That is why judging and condemning what we see outside is meaningless: the world is not cause but effect. What is seen in it is only the manifestation of what is occurring within our own mind. Instead of trying to correct what is external, the invitation is to change the idea we hold about ourselves, for every judgment toward the world is, in essence, a judgment toward oneself.
To forgive the world is, therefore, to forgive oneself. But not through the effort to “fix” oneself on a personal level—which is impossible if attempted from the ego—but by using forgiveness as a tool. Jesus proposes a profoundly wise strategy: instead of trying to forgive one’s own errors directly, it is enough to forgive the errors seen in others, since those projected errors represent, at their core, our own shadows. By forgiving them outside, they are healed within.
This method allows the phenomenon of projection to be used constructively. We project what we cannot bear in ourselves, place it outside, and by doing so, believe we see it in others. Jesus tells us: once it is projected, simply forgive it where you see it. Thus, the world becomes a tool for healing: the dream of the world can be used to heal the mind. Even knowing that the world is an illusion, as long as it continues to be perceived as real, it can and must be used in favor of truth. To forgive someone not only frees him in our mind, but also frees us. It is an indirect way of healing the mind.
II Remember that you have already been hired and have already committed yourself to this enterprise. Doing patchwork jobs on your own would not be well regarded, because it would damage the reputation of the company you work for, and in the long run you would gain no benefit. Now your only function is the salvation of the world in your mind. Do not forget it: remind yourself of it constantly. Your role in that task is essential, for if you do not do it, who then will save the world?
This implies recognizing that each one has a specific and necessary function. It is not a matter of waiting for salvation to come from outside, but of accepting that there is work to be done, and that this work depends on our active participation.
Jesus does not present Himself here as a distant savior, but as a guide who invites us to get to work. If one’s function were not essential, what sense would there be in being here? The very fact that we are in this world—or believe we are—indicates that we have a purpose.
Even within the dream, apparent existence has meaning. And although this existence is illusory from an absolute level, it is not so for the one who believes in it. Many may think: “I don’t want to be here,” or “I don’t want to reincarnate,” but the fact is that we apparently are here. And that points to a reason: the role each one plays in God’s plan is essential.
Without that function, we would not exist as characters within the dream. The illusion itself is in the service of something greater. Therefore, accepting that one has an essential role not only gives meaning to life in this world, but reconnects one with the true reason for being here. And that role is clear: to participate in the salvation of the world. Not as something heroic or grandiose, but as part of a shared will—to remember the truth, forgive, heal the mind, and extend happiness.
Without that role, the plan is not complete. That is why each one is indispensable. Accepting that truth is an act of liberating humility and responsibility.