Sacred Spaces, Sacred People
Monastery of the Holy Spirit, Conyers, GA. A very sacred space, indeed, in its simplicity, with very sacred people.
Monday of the Fourth Week in Lent ~ 3/20/23
This is a subject dear to my heart. When I was in grad school, I was fascinated with the labyrinth and there was so much controversy at the time (late 1990’s/early 2000’s). This “New Age fad” was seen by some church authorities as a dangerous trend, while others understood that it had been a part of our church pilgrimage history for hundreds of years. I decided this was where I would focus my research.
I could (and possibly will) write a book about how we have co-opted pagan traditions in the name of Christianizing cultures, and how the “New Agers” have co-opted some of the richest symbols and rituals of not only the Christian tradition, but also of Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Native American and other Wisdom Traditions. I see benefits to using some of these traditions, but if the hidden meaning of the symbol or ritual does not lead to worshipping God the Father and Jesus His Son, through the power of the Holy Spirit, then I must, personally, dismiss it. This can lead to worshipping false gods, and, I cannot do that!
During the course of my research, I became fascinated with the construction of the Gothic cathedrals of France during the Middle Ages. I learned how they were constructed with Sacred Geometry. It is a fact, though this, also, causes angst among some church leaders. The use of angles and curves to create the gothic arches is specific and has intended outcomes, not only of design, but also of function. For instance, in the Reims Cathedral in Reims, the original organ was made specifically for its exact location and placement. The material used, the size of the pipes, all aspects of design and construction were calculated with precision. In order to tune the organ, one had to stand in the center of the arch directly below and on the opposite side of the cathedral in order to find the correct pitch in which to tune the organ with tuning forks. This astounded me. The materials which produce the resulting acoustics in these cathedrals are crafted to perfection (as perfect as stone, glass, and wood can create.)
As I delved deeper into my research, I learned that every aspect of each of these Notre Dame Cathedrals was designed with one goal in mind: to allow each human being the ability to learn about and worship God. They did not have access to their own personal Bibles, nor catechism classes – these were reserved for those in the monasteries (mostly men). They learned the Bible stories from the stained-glass windows and statues. Literally everything was intentional and placed for not only aesthetic beauty, but to draw the gaze of the onlooker from the floor up to the sky – from the ground up to the heavens - from the story of creation in Genesis to the Death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Christ. “All glory and honor and praise to our Father in Heaven”. From the Psalms to the New Testament, this was repeated throughout the Bible, and even most commoners knew the Psalms.
While these magnificent structures are extraordinary, it was the place where anyone of any station in life, could come and experience the sacred. Just walking in the front doors of these cathedrals, you are swept up in awe, of the majesty and splendor that took decades to complete. Some craftsmen gave their entire lives carving a statue or creating a window, knowing that they may never see it inside the completed church during their lifetime. That speaks to a sacred people that we might find difficult to find today. Their only task in life was to bring glory to God with whatever gifts had been bestowed upon them. They were created to give back to their Creator.
But as incredible as these structures were/are, they are man’s humble testament to their desire to do justice to God. In their attempt to honor the Creator, they could not even come close to the natural beauty in nature! I live at the base of Mt. Rainier, in Washington state and every day that I am able to see that mountain, it takes my breath away. It, too, is an incredibly sacred space and those who are drawn to its incredible stature and beauty, are a sacred people. This mountain inspires awe in God’s creation that cannot be matched in any other way.
We do not need magnificent cathedrals in which to worship God, we need only to take the time and make a space – any space – and if dedicated to prayer, it becomes sacred. Even if it is in a closet escaping screaming children for a moment! There are many natural, sacred spaces, created by God, that create unique phenomena that could only be from God’s perfect and loving design, if only we take time to find and enjoy them . . . caves, cliffs, canyons, lakes, rivers, oceans, forests, fields . . . all have the potential to draw us closer to our Creator through appreciation of the sacredness of the space.
Here at Urban Sanctuary, we have tried to create a sacred space of gathering. Strangers walking in for the first time are struck by the “something special here”; they somehow know this is a sacred space. I believe it is from the prayer that has taken place here . . . and the incense. We like to begin every session with a gathering prayer, and often use Matthew’s verse: “Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:19-20 In the practice of Spiritual Direction, I often have a third chair present – to include Jesus in our visit., as a reminder that He, too, is present with us.
Any place, and any time that Jesus is called to be in our midst, it is a sacred time with sacred people. Let us remember to invite Him more often to join us . . . “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen”
What is one instance this week where you can create a sacred space with sacred people?
May you continue to be blessed along your Lenten journey.