In contrast, the labyrinth at St. John’s has been a particular ministry for many years. It has been well-used, well-worn, and well-loved for a long, long time.
Both are labors of love that reflect the long history of love in each church. They each offer a spiritual haven not only for our faith communities, but for the wider community that surrounds us. They are a place to wonder, dig deep within ourselves, and perhaps talk and listen to God. And for some of the smallest members of our wider St. John’s community, it’s a place to ride a tricycle – going round and round!
Everyone experiences labyrinths differently. Some have described them simply as meandering paths that lead you to the center and then back out leaving where you began.
I love this verse by T.S Elliot that, although he wasn’t writing about a labyrinth, it beautifully describes one way we might experience one:
We shall not cease from exploration.
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.
T.S. Elliot, Four Quartets, Little Gidding
As churches, we have been meandering on a path this last year and a half, exploring new ways to be and do church. As we begin to worship inside, or as we ‘exit the labyrinth’ of the last year or so, how can we see our churches as if for the first time?
As God’s beloved children, we are called to continue exploring and discovering – meandering on a path that, however long it takes, leads to God and God’s will for us. Then, as we meander to the exit, however long it takes, we can come out changed, transformed, somehow new and refreshed. God makes all things new!
Blessings and peace,
Karen+
