What do you think of the idea that "the sacred must sometimes change shape to meet us"(p. 26)? Must we always reshape ourselves to meet the holy, or can we, as Anne Sexton does, demand that the sacred change to make space for us?
Do you have a favorite reading--a poem, a passage from a book, a line from a song--that you take comfort in, perhaps "like a rosary, say them over and over; like a prayer" (p.27)?
2 comments:
The uniqueness of each person requires the sacred to change its shape to meet us. If one considers how the Holy Spirit moves so differently in the lives of each of us this seems evident.
Historically, it may not seem as though the Church has made space for many. And the changes that are realized may seem too little too late. But there is change and there is space. Sometimes through hurt it is hard to see the space or the reaching out to us. This is where Saint Peter's is truly different from other parishes. It lives out "Sunday" every day. It makes room for all and changes and molds itself to others. This parish seems to reshape the holiness of itself all the time making itself available to all.
For me, I take comfort in the great hymn by Thomas Tallis (692 for those of you that have your 1982 open): I heard the voice of Jesus say, "Come unto me and rest; and in your weariness lay down your head upon my breast," I came to Jesus as I was, so weary, worn, and sad; I found in him a resting place, and he has made me glad.
There are many paths that lead to the holy - I think God made it that way because he wants all to reach him and so he reaches out in different ways.
I remember asking my spiritual director many years ago if it was okey with the church if I took Tai Chi Chih classes. I was concerned as it was Eastern in origin. My spiritual director smiled and said God wants to connect with you - whether you move to him or he moves to you doesn't matter - what matters is that you and God get together. I found Tai Chi Chih a great way to meditate.
I have also found St. Peter's to be a path to God. St. Peter's is a unique experience of openness. It is a place where all ARE welcome and ALL are encouraged to journey toward and in relationship with God. I think Michael expressed it in words much more elequent that mine.
My anchor is Psalm 139 verses 1-17. I first came to appreciate it when I was very unhappy, searching for myself and convinced that to God I was worthless. I found in it the love God has for me, the care he took in forming and knowing me. I love re-reading it to hear again and again how I am beloved of God, that I am God's own and that I am exactly what God wanted me to be. Hearing that, I can better accept who I am and I marvel that made with all my faults and gifts I am just what God wants.
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