Cleaning our Spiritual House
“The greatest need of our time is to clean out the enormous mass of mental and emotional rubbish that clutters our minds.”
Thomas Merton
How many times throughout the year do we say, “There is too much clutter around the house. We need to have a clear up.” Maybe we call it a spring clean. Then we assign a room or closet and the process begins. We put clothes that have been unworn for months in a bag for donation, we put magazines in the recycle bin, and garbage gets thrown out. And do not forget the mess in the garage. Everyone needs to be involved. All of us gather too many possessions.
Last Sunday was the First Sunday of Advent, traditionally a season when we spend time in spiritual preparation for the coming birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. Just as we clean the house, Merton tells us that we need to address our spiritual needs, and what better time to do that but now. There is so much happening at this time of year ‒ parties, lunches, shopping, decorating. They are all fun and valid, and after being denied them last year, they are part of helping with our mental state.
However, to fully experience joy, we need to focus on our prayer time. Do not be so busy that you go a day without meaningful prayer; we need to focus on being in church, come to a Bible study and interact with friends. We need to focus on our own personal quiet time when we can, and clear our minds and with intention and meditation remember the Christian reason for the season. To experience fully the joy and love of our Lord at this time of year, we need to be present to Him.
O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength: By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
"The Book of Common Prayer," p. 832
