St. Paul's Episcopal Church

About a Labyrinth!

... a powerful tool which we must use to remind ourselves and others that meditation is a vital part of the Christian spiritual tradition, and one need not look elsewhere, to odder religions or whatever, to find the beauties and benefits that Christianity offers. Our Jewish friends and ancestors in faith (Jesus was one) have practiced meditation for thousands of years. We inherited it from them....

Our Labyrinth is calling to you. I’ll tell you about. Actually, seriously, I really want to, because I have tried it several times, and it is a truly wonderful way of praying. I know you’ve heard about it, but I want to give you some reflections on my own personal experience.

          Before I start the little joyful journey, I may have a usual prayer in mind, or a special thought or need, or a scripture passage -- but not necessarily. Sometimes it’s nice to just be open to the inspiration- breath of the Holy Spirit. As I step onto the beginning of the path, I breathe deeply and happily; the gravel and the twisty path make me slow down and walk without hurrying.

          As I proceed, I notice that my body itself becomes part of the prayer, because my walking motion makes my whole being involved in the activity, just as it does in the Stations of the Cross, when our movement reminds us of Jesus’ own path. Now, here, it also teaches me that “the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord” (Psalm 33) and that in Genesis we learn that God sees His creation as good, and Jesus’ death and resurrection have redeemed the world, and again, it is good.

I feel a slight breeze of the wind on my face, and my legs and feet feel the grass and the earth, and I rejoice in God’s creation.

Now I’m thinking about Jesus, and several of my senses get involved, as I see the gorgeous loveliness of the trees around me, and the color of their leaves, and so I realize that Jesus too saw the beauty of growing things in nature, and he paused to appreciate that (Matthew 6); further, then, I hear birds chirping, and reflect on Jesus hearing and feeling the same thing, and right now I am identifying with Jesus, communing with him.

          So my feelings and emotions become prayer, my concerns are open to God, my soul feels closer to Him. I (you, we) know in my heart that the Holy Spirit has taken some of my burden, and replaced it with peace. We are profoundly grateful, and all the mind can do is pray Thanks! Thus, without barrier or conscious realization—without even trying—you’re meditating! Zoinks!

Meditation isn’t a theory or a cold relic from a history book about Medieval Mystics. It’s for you. It is you.

          In sum, the reason I’m so excited about our labyrinth is that it works, and it’s a powerful tool which we must use to remind ourselves and others that meditation is a vital part of the Christian spiritual tradition, and one need not look elsewhere, to odder religions or whatever, to find the beauties and benefits that Christianity offers. Our Jewish friends and ancestors in faith (Jesus was one) have practiced meditation for thousands of years. We inherited it from them.

          Hence, Christians have used labyrinths as paths for prayer over the course of centuries. It’s nothing new or weird. We ourselves must be educated about our faith, and be ready to explain and discuss it with others. Thus, if you haven’t tried our labyrinth yet, then please, I encourage you to do so. Drop by on a Saturday, or an evening. You will be surprised, and thrilled, and spiritually enriched.

I hope to see you soon!

Blessings, Love of Jesus Christ Our Lord; and peace –

~ from your friend and pastor,

Father Bruce

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