04-16-25

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS 
April 16, 2025
Last night, I ventured into our dimly lit chapel, where a few flickering candles guided me on a simple journey. It is not a big Labyrinth, and if you want to move quickly, you could probably finish it in two minutes. I walked it slowly, pausing at each turn with the question, “Where have I felt the nudge of the Spirit to make a slight turn in my own life, yet I consciously chose to continue upon the previous trajectory without even a slight nod in the direction of God’s encouragement? I know the Labyrinth is nothing more than some lines drawn on the floor, yet rituals and symbolism are powerful if we allow God to use them to shape us in ways that simply pondering cannot do. The Labyrinth will remain open until Friday evening after the concert--The Seven Last Words, offered in the Centrum at 7 p.m. 

If it is not the Labyrinth, what other practices or rituals might be unique to Lent and Holy Week? Some of you might have chosen to give something up. Others have chosen the opposite—choosing to add something positive or healthy to their life. From musicians to athletes to passionate fans, there are certain rituals people share because they communicate something on a deeper level than what might be assumed at first glance. I wear a bracelet for a gorilla I adopted a little over a year ago. I can track her online, even see pictures of her habitat east of Goma, Rwanda. My donation is helping keep Teta (that’s her name) safe, as she is considered critically endangered. The bracelet serves as a reminder, not only of Teta and other animals that are endangered, but also to pray for the health of our creation—water, air, and land. It’s a simple practice, but I’m one that appreciates those simple things that connect me to that which is much more intricate or cosmic, a little like what Jesus did with the parables. Something as simple as a seed becoming a means by which Jesus talked about the Kin(g)dom of Heaven.

Use whatever means necessary, O God of All, to cause me to pause and think more deeply, clearly, and with more of who I am. Following Jesus requires bringing more and more of myself to the task. Sometimes walking a guided path with an open mind can feel as if you are bringing to my attention something that was right there, but I had been missing it entirely. Thank you for those moments. Amen.